MIDDLE EAST
1 min read
‘Israel unlawfully using white phosphorus over Lebanon’ - HRW
What does white phosphorus do?
‘Israel unlawfully using white phosphorus over Lebanon’ - HRW
Graphic Artist: Busra Ozturk, QA Producer: Bunyamin Uzuncan / TRT World
March 12, 2026

Human Rights Watch has found evidence that Israel fired artillery shells with white phosphorus over residential areas in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor on March 3, violating international humanitarian law.

The rights group also documented Israel’s use of white phosphorus across border villages in southern Lebanon between October 2023 and May 2024.

White phosphorus can ignite on contact with oxygen, causing severe burns, death, or lifelong injuries.


Explore
‘Eternal Darkness’: Did Netanyahu seek to ‘exploit the ambiguity’ of the US-Iran ceasefire?
Israeli actions undermine US mediation in Syria-Israel talks: Damascus
British PM, Saudi crown prince discuss ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz security
Top press freedom group condemns Israel for killing of three journalists in Gaza and Lebanon
US Secretary of State announces release of kidnapped journalist in Iraq
Arab countries condemn extremist Israeli minister's storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque
'Constant fear': Southern Lebanese bewail daily life struggles caused by Israel's aggression
Israel launches air strikes on Lebanon's capital as war continues
Syria slams killing of civilian by Israel in Quneitra as 'violation of international law'
New death penalty law shows how Israel targets Palestinians with highly discriminatory legal system
Israel turned Lebanon's southern Christian town into 'open, uninhabited zone' — mayor
Türkiye, seven countries condemn Israeli curbs on worship in occupied East Jerusalem
50th anniversary of Palestinian Land Day
Global backlash as Israeli police block Palm Sunday entry at sacred Jerusalem church
Israel expands ground invasion in southern Lebanon
Israel has uprooted six million people already. What’s next in its demographic reshaping drive?
Israel plans deeper invasion inside Lebanon — report
Erdogan, Al Thani exchange condolences over helicopter crash, discuss regional developments
Israel's Gaza genocide coincided with 100,000 Israelis leaving country over two years, study shows
EU leaders condemn growing illegal settler violence against Palestinians