Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports Israel's unlawful use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon

Key facts

• Human Rights Watch (HRW) confirmed authenticity of seven photos showing white phosphorus munitions fired over Yohmor in southern Lebanon on March 3.
• The Israeli military's use of airburst white phosphorus over residential areas violated international humanitarian law.
• Fires broke out in at least two homes in Yohmor due to the incendiary effects of white phosphorus.
• HRW verified images posted by the Islamic Health Committee in Yohmor showing civil defence workers extinguishing fires on rooftops and in a car.
• HRW urged the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany to suspend military sales to Israel and impose targeted sanctions on officials.
• Israel had previously used white phosphorus between October 2023 and May 2024 across border villages in southern Lebanon.
• At least 394 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in Lebanon in Israeli attacks.
• More than half a million people have been registered as displaced in Lebanon as Israel issues forced displacement orders.