The army’s use of white phosphorus – which makes a distinctive shellburst of dozens of smoke trails – was reported first by The Times on January 5, when it was strenuously denied by the army. Read about our approach to external linking. In another incident on the same day a white phosphorus shell landed in the al-Quds hospital in Gaza City also causing a fire that forced hospital staff to evacuate the patients. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Cookie Statement Among the places worst affected by the use of white phosphorus was the UNRWA compound in Gaza City, at which Israeli forces fired three white phosphorus shells on 15 January. When exposed to air, it spontaneously ignites and is oxidized rapidly to phosphorus pentoxide. Specially in those … White phosphorus munitions are weapons which use one of the common allotropes of the chemical element phosphorus. The accusations against Israel are similar to those lodged against American troops fighting in Fallujah in 2004. White phosphorus … The U.S. military in Iraq used the incendiary during a November 2004 operation against insurgents in the city of Fallujah. HRW acknowledges this and calls to change the definition in Protocol III, but its use of the term throughout the paper is misleading. Each air-burst shell spreads 116 burning white … According to France24, Israel acknowledged using white phosphorus in the operation, but denied charges that white phosphorus shells killed Palestinian civilians. International law restricts the use of white phosphorus during war. Other common names include WP and the slang term "Willie Pete" or "Willie Peter" derived from William Peter, the World War II phonetic alphabet for "WP", which is still sometimes used in military jargon. Human rights groups and medics in Gaza reported having treated dozens of people suffering burns caused by white phosphorus during Israel's 22-day offensive against the Hamas-ruled territory that killed more than 1,300 people. Phosphorus shells are legal to use as a battlefield obscurant, but are banned from use where civilians may be harmed. Among its atrocities, Israel uses white phosphorus (WP) — known affectionately by WWII soldiers as “Willie Pete” — against Palestinians. The form used by the military is highly energetic (active) and ignites once it is exposed to oxygen. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. WP is a colorless to yellow translucent wax-like substance with a pungent, garlic-like smell. Trump lawyers set for speedy Senate defence1, Britney Spears' father must share financial power2, Russia warns EU it could cut ties over sanctions3, Fake heiress Anna Sorokin released from US prison4, The luxury, mould and fake walls of 'Putin's palace'5, Nigerian communities 'can sue Shell in UK'6, No charges for US officers seen pushing protester7, Biden warns China will 'eat our lunch' on spending8, China bans BBC World News from broadcasting9, Melbourne to lock down with fans barred from Open10. © 2021 BBC. Israel's military fired white phosphorus over crowded areas of Gaza repeatedly and indiscriminately in its three-week war, killing and injuring civilians … Palestinian media reported Tuesday night the detonation of white phosphorous bombs to illuminate the sky over the Gaza Strip as Israel Air Force jets were reportedly flying overhead. We all know that the United States is backing them up and that their military consider it to be a very effective and versatile munition. The white phosphorus landed next to some fuel trucks and caused a large fire which destroyed tons of humanitarian aid. White phosphorous (WP) is a chemical substance dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets, used primarily to obscure military operations on the ground. Human Rights Watch published a thorough investigation – one of the most thorough I have read – of Israel’s use of white phosphorus and its devastating effects. What happens to your body in extreme heat?   |   Prior to this strike, the compound had already been hit an hour earlier and the Israeli authorities had been informed by UNRWA officials and had given assurance that no further strikes would be launched on the compound. World Can't Wait organizes people living in the United States to stop the crimes of our government. Phosphorus al… Your choice regarding cookies on this site Amnesty International’s delegates found still-burning white phosphorus wedges all around residential buildings on Sunday. In the recent Gaza operations, Israeli forces frequently air-burst white phosphorus in 155mm artillery shells in and near populated areas. Israel used white phosphorus in Gaza civilian areas 19 January 2009, 00:00 UTC The Israeli army used white phosphorus, a weapon with a highly incendiary effect, in densely populated civilian residential areas of Gaza City, according to indisputable evidence found an Amnesty International fact-finding team which reached the area last Saturday. Human Rights Watch says it has observed "dozens and dozens" of white phosphorus shells being fired by Israel at the Gaza Strip - a heavily populated civilian area where the group says its use is prohibited. Some 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed in the three-week conflict. Human Rights Watch and Harvard Law School call for closing of loopholes in international law allowing countries, including Israel, to use white phosphorus By … No torture, war, occupations, or spying on the people. After weeks of denying that it used white phosphorus in the heavily populated Gaza Strip, Israel finally admitted that the weapon was deployed in its offensive. It says shells will be replaced with types based completely on gas, which will create the same effect. US-made white phosphorus is also used by Saudi Arabia in its bombing of Yemen. An AP photographer and a TV crew based in Gaza visited Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday and recorded images of several burn patients.