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Human Rights Watch said it has documented the use of white phosphorus munitions by Israeli forces in Lebanon and described the use as unlawful.
The group said the incidents occurred in populated areas, raising concerns about harm to civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Israel has not publicly responded to the specific allegations in the statement cited by the group.
The claims add to international scrutiny of weapons use and civilian protection in cross-border hostilities.
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Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday that Israeli forces have used white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon in ways the organization described as illegal, citing what it said was documented evidence from recent incidents in populated areas. The group called for an end to the use of the incendiary substance where civilians are at risk and urged accountability for any violations of international humanitarian law.
Human Rights Watch said it has identified multiple instances in which white phosphorus was used in Lebanon during cross-border hostilities, and said the manner of use violated international legal standards designed to protect civilians. White phosphorus can ignite on contact with oxygen and cause severe burns, and its use in or near populated areas can create risks that persist beyond the initial strike.
The organization said its findings relate to the deployment of white phosphorus munitions in locations where civilians live and work, and that the resulting fires and smoke can endanger people and damage homes, farmland, and other civilian property. Human Rights Watch said the use it documented was unlawful, without detailing in its public statement the full set of technical indicators it relied on.
Israel has not publicly addressed the specific allegations contained in the Human Rights Watch statement referenced by the organization. Lebanese authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of cross-border attacks on civilian areas, while Israel has said in other contexts that it targets threats and operates under international law.
## Allegations and legal framing
Human Rights Watch said the use of white phosphorus in populated areas is prohibited under international humanitarian law when it is employed in a way that fails to distinguish between military targets and civilians, or when the expected harm to civilians would be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage.
The organization described the alleged incidents as involving areas where civilians were present, and said the use of an incendiary substance in such settings can be inherently indiscriminate because of the wide-area effects of burning particles and thick smoke. Human Rights Watch said these characteristics heighten the risk of injury to civilians and complicate firefighting and medical response.
White phosphorus has lawful uses, including for creating smoke screens or illumination, but its legality depends on how and where it is used. Human Rights Watch said the cases it reviewed did not meet the standards required to protect civilians, and it urged that any use of white phosphorus near populated areas be halted.
## Humanitarian and civilian impact concerns
Human Rights Watch said the alleged use in Lebanon raised immediate humanitarian concerns, including the risk of severe burns and respiratory harm. The group said that when white phosphorus ignites, it can continue burning and can reignite, creating hazards for civilians returning to affected sites and for emergency responders.
The organization also pointed to potential damage to civilian infrastructure and livelihoods, including fires affecting homes and agricultural land. It said such impacts can compound displacement pressures and disrupt access to basic services in communities near the border.
The group did not provide casualty figures in its statement, and no independent casualty assessment was included. Human Rights Watch said its focus was on the legality of the weapon’s use and the need for measures that reduce harm to civilians.
## Calls for investigation and accountability
Human Rights Watch urged investigations into the incidents it cited and called for accountability where violations are found. The organization said states supplying weapons should review whether their support could contribute to unlawful attacks and should take steps to ensure compliance with international law.
The allegations come amid continued international attention to the conduct of hostilities across the Israel-Lebanon border and the protection of civilians. Human Rights Watch said that parties to the conflict are obligated to take constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects, and to choose means and methods of warfare that minimize civilian harm.
The organization said it would continue monitoring developments and documenting incidents. Israel’s position on the specific claims was not included in the Human Rights Watch statement, and no official response was available at the time of writing.
