The Middle East is on fire. Israel pounded Lebanon overnight, inflicting fresh casualties, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemning the “heartbreaking cycle” of violence in the region, which is teetering on the brink.
Video appears to show Israel’s use of white phosphorus bombs in southern Lebanon.
White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites when it comes into contact with air. It can cause severe second and third degree burns, perforation of the cornea in the eyes, and smoke inhalation leads to respiratory damage, coughing, headache, lung swelling and suffocation.
The use of white phosphorus from the air in areas with a civilian population is prohibited under International Law, reports the website middleeasteye.
In June, Israeli forces dropped white phosphorus on densely populated areas in southern Lebanon, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). “Israel’s extensive use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon highlights the need for stronger international legislation on incendiary weapons,” the HRW report said.
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