The Human Rights Watch has released a new report exposing Israel’s use of white phosphorus in residential areas of South Lebanon, a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. According to confirmed images, on March 3, the Israeli military launched white phosphorus shells from artillery in the town of Yuhmur, South Lebanon, resulting in at least two houses catching fire.
Ramzi Kais, a researcher for Human Rights Watch in Lebanon, has stated that the use of white phosphorus in residential areas is extremely dangerous and illegal, putting civilians at risk of severe harm. Lebanese Foreign Minister, Joseph Raad, condemned Iran’s recent attacks on multiple Arab countries, saying that Hezbollah’s military actions do not represent the official policy of Lebanon.
White phosphorus ignites upon contact with oxygen and can cause widespread fires, damaging homes, fields, and other properties. Human Rights Watch has confirmed the images and identified the location, where the smoke from the exploding shells resembles those of the Israeli-made 155mm white phosphorus shells.
Local Islamic Health Committee’s Civil Defense team released images of workers extinguishing fires on house roofs and a car. Human Rights Watch has called on Israel to immediately cease the use of this weapon in residential areas, and has urged its allies, including the US, UK, and Germany, to suspend arms sales to Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes on multiple areas in southern Beirut, including Ghbeiri and Harat Hik, on Tuesday. Reports indicate that the recent Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 394 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries in Lebanon, with over 500,000 people forced to flee their homes.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a statement on social media platform, saying, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” The Israeli media reported that a riot broke out at Ben Gurion Airport, preventing several passengers from leaving the country.
A US Tomahawk cruise missile struck an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps naval base near a school. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that the aim of the American attacks was to destroy Iran’s missile program.
In a separate incident, a UAE military helicopter crashed in Dubai, killing two Emirati soldiers. Iran has claimed that the attacks destroyed 20 tanks, gas stations, and logistics and support facilities.
According to reports, a total of 1,255 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured in Iran since the start of the conflict. US President, Donald Trump, claimed that the elimination of Iran’s nuclear threat would lead to a significant decrease in oil prices, which he described as a small price to pay for peace and security.
The global Brent crude oil price has reached $117 per barrel, prompting the G7 nations to take action to reduce prices. Saudi Arabia has condemned Iran’s aggression against the kingdom and other Gulf Cooperation Council states, and has announced plans to shut down 60% of government vehicles.
The Lebanese Parliament has delayed general elections for two years. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that the attacks destroyed 20 tanks, gas stations, and logistics and support facilities.
According to reports, a total of 1,255 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured in Iran since the start of the conflict.
