Review of RT’s Article on Israel’s Use of US-Made White Phosphorus Munitions

”Israel used US-made white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon attack – WaPo”

Summary

In a recent report by RT, it has come to light that Israel employed controversial US-provided white phosphorus munitions in an attack on the village of Dheira in southern Lebanon, raising significant concerns and calls for action. This incident took place on October 16 and was brought to the forefront through meticulous analysis, including an investigation by the Washington Post.

According to the report, the Israeli military targeted the village with artillery fire, causing the destruction of at least four homes and injuries to nine civilians. The munitions at the center of this controversy, known as ‘smoke’ or ‘marker’ M825 rounds, contain white phosphorus, a substance that ignites upon contact with air and produces thick white smoke. While these rounds can be utilized for concealing troop movements, it is vital to acknowledge that they are also toxic and can act as incendiary rounds if not handled with extreme caution.

Fragments of the shells recovered from the scene have been identified as matching the nomenclature used by the US military for domestically produced munitions. These shells, manufactured in the United States in 1989 and 1992, bear markings, a light green body color, and ‘WP’ inscriptions consistent with US standard-issue white phosphorus rounds. This information has been independently confirmed by both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.

In response to these developments, there has been growing concern among US officials, with calls for a reconsideration of US military aid to Israel. Tirana Hassan, the executive director of Human Rights Watch, has strongly emphasized the need for Congress to take these reports seriously and act accordingly.

The White House has also expressed concerns, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby asserting that white phosphorus can be considered legitimate for military use in illumination and smoke production. However, questions have arisen regarding the appropriate use of these munitions and their adherence to the laws of armed conflict.

What is particularly troubling is that this incident is not isolated. There have been multiple reports indicating Israel’s use of white phosphorus munitions over 60 times in Lebanon’s border area in the past two months. Furthermore, unverified videos suggest that these munitions may have been used in Gaza as well.

In conclusion, as reported by RT, this situation underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive examination of the use of white phosphorus in conflicts and the accountability of all parties involved, with a particular focus on both its legality and the devastating impact on civilians residing in the affected regions.

Personal Opinion

Questioning Israel’s Use of White Phosphorus and the Need for Accountability

A recent report has raised serious concerns about Israel’s use of a dangerous substance called white phosphorus, provided by the US, in an attack on a village in Lebanon. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. For example, during a conflict in Gaza from December 27, 2008, to January 18, 2009, Israel used a lot of white phosphorus. This kind of attack is especially harmful in crowded places and goes against rules meant to protect civilians (Human Rights Watch, “Rain of Fire: Israel’s Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza”).

Also, in October 2023, a group called Amnesty International confirmed that similar weapons were used in Dhayra, a village near the border with Lebanon. Similar weapons were also used in other nearby towns. These attacks caused people to have breathing problems and other injuries (Amnesty International, “Evidence of Israel’s Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Southern Lebanon as Cross-Border Hostilities Escalate”).

It’s important to know that this isn’t a new issue. In fact, the Israeli military used white phosphorus in Lebanon back in the wars of 1982 and 2006 (Al Jazeera, “What Is the White Phosphorus That Israel Is Accused of Using in Gaza?”).

So, we have to ask, how long can this continue without someone being held responsible? The type of munitions being used, known as M825 rounds, were originally made for specific military purposes. But they can be very dangerous and even toxic if not used carefully. It’s worrying that these weapons come from the US, as shown by their markings.

The White House has shown concern about this, but it’s really important for international groups to keep watching closely. They need to make sure that any military help given follows international laws and ethical guidelines. Protecting civilians should always be the most important thing for everyone involved.

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