(Beirut) – The Israeli military unlawfully used artillery-fired white phosphorus munitions over homes on March 3, 2026, in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor, Human Rights Watch said today.
Human Rights Watch verified and geolocated seven images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions being deployed over a residential part of the town and civil defense workers responding to fires in at least two homes and one car in that area.
“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The incendiary effects of white phosphorous can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering.”
White phosphorus is pyrophoric which means it ignites in contact with air and it’s quite difficult to put out. It’s also very sticky and will adhere to clothes and skin. It is highly toxic and causes burns on skin contact. Smoke and fumes that result from burning white phosphorus are also highly toxic and can lead to organ failure. Chronic exposure can cause phossy jaw which is the necrosis of the jaw bones which is disfiguring, can lead to malnutrition if treated (patients won’t be able to eat properly) and can lead to death if untreated.
It’s messed up shit.
