HRW: Extensive Evidence of Israeli War Crimes in Ghaza

Human Rights Watch has released a new report documenting Israel's indiscriminate use of white phosphorous against civilian populations.

The unlawful use of white phosphorus was neither incidental nor accidental. It was repeated over time and in different locations, with the IDF "air-bursting" the munition in populated areas up to the last days of its military operation. Even if intended as an obscurant rather than as a weapon, the IDF's repeated firing of air-burst white phosphorus shells from 155mm artillery into densely populated areas was indiscriminate and indicates the commission of war crimes.

The dangers posed by white phosphorus to civilians were well-known to Israeli commanders, who have used the munition for many years. According to a medical report prepared during the hostilities by the ministry of health, "[w]hite phosphorus can cause serious injury and death when it comes into contact with the skin, is inhaled or is swallowed." The report states that burns on less than 10 percent of the body can be fatal because of damage to the liver, kidneys and heart.

The HRW report was not the only documentation of war crimes released this week - a collection of videos released by The Guardian highlight the use of unmanned drones, human shields, and deliberate attacks on medical personnel during this winter's genocide in Ghaza.