Washington Post reports: 'Israel used white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon'

According to the newspaper's report, a Washington Post reporter in the region found fragments of 155mm white phosphorus artillery shells used by the Israeli military in its October 16 attack on the town of Dhayra.

The report noted that the production codes found on the remnants of the white phosphorus shells match the terminology used by the U.S. to classify domestically produced munitions, revealing that the ammunition in question was manufactured at depots in Louisiana and Arkansas in 1989 and 1992.

Weapons experts state that the light green color of the recovered shell fragments and the 'WP' markings stamped on them are consistent with white phosphorus artillery shells.

Israeli forces bombarded the town of Dhayra, which has a population of 2,000, with white phosphorus munitions throughout the night on October 16, leaving residents with no opportunity to escape.

Residents of Dhayra describe the Israeli bombardment as a 'black night'.

Three of the nine people injured in Israel's attack on Dhayra were hospitalized.

In a written statement on October 31, Amnesty International reported that Israel's October 16 attack on the border town of Dhayra, which was carried out 'without distinction between civilians and military targets,' was unlawful and should be investigated as a war crime.

It was noted that researchers from Amnesty International had collected compelling evidence showing the use of white phosphorus in attacks on the border towns of Al-Mari and Aita al-Chaab between October 10 and 16, and had verified videos and photographs of these attacks.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HAD ALSO PROVIDED EVIDENCE OF WHITE PHOSPHORUS USE IN GAZA

Amnesty International confirmed that Israeli military units striking Gaza were equipped with white phosphorus artillery shells, warning: "White phosphorus causes horrific pain and life-changing injuries, and cannot be extinguished with water. This is why white phosphorus must never be used in civilian areas."

Evidence documented by Amnesty International, which showed the Israeli military using white phosphorus artillery shells in densely populated civilian areas of Gaza, included photographs taken by an Anadolu Agency photojournalist.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) had previously announced that Israel used white phosphorus in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

In a statement released by HRW, it was noted: "By using white phosphorus in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, Israel has put civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury."

News Source: AA