Israel’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas in southern Lebanon has raised accusations by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday. The New York-based rights group claimed that artillery-fired white phosphorus munitions struck homes in the town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026. The attacks were confirmed by verification of seven images showing white phosphorus munitions exploding over residential areas.
White phosphorus dangers explained
White phosphorus ignites on contact with oxygen. While it can create smokescreens or illuminate battlefields, it can also act as an incendiary weapon. It can cause severe burns, respiratory damage, organ failure, and death.
Conflict and civilian impact
Israel has maintained air and artillery strikes targeting Hezbollah despite a 2024 ceasefire. The military also sent ground troops into border areas following attacks by the Iran-backed group. Lebanese authorities reported at least 394 deaths and more than 500,000 people displaced since the latest escalation.
Ramzi Kaiss, HRW’s Lebanon researcher, called the use of white phosphorus in residential areas “extremely alarming.” He urged Israel to halt the practice immediately. He also called on states supplying Israel with weapons, including white phosphorus, to suspend military assistance.
Earlier strikes targeted towns such as Khiam and Tal Nahas near the Israeli border. Last month, Lebanon accused Israel of spraying the herbicide glyphosate along the shared border. President Joseph Aoun described the act as a “crime against the environment.”
Hezbollah reports new clashes
Hezbollah stated that it engaged Israeli forces who landed in eastern Lebanon from Syria. The group claimed to have downed an Israeli helicopter in the Bekaa region. However, Israel has not yet confirmed the incident.
The escalation followed the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel continues to target Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon.
