The Human Rights Watch, a global watchdog, has claimed that the Israel Defence Forces used artillery-fired white phosphorus munitions over residential areas in southern Lebanon as hostilities in West Asia continue to intensify.
The rights group claimed in a statement on Thursday that it had verified evidence suggesting that white phosphorus was used over homes in the town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026.
As per the organisation, it verified and geolocated seven images that appeared to show airburst white phosphorus munitions being deployed over a residential neighbourhood. The images also showed civil defence personnel responding to fires in at least two houses and one vehicle in the area.
Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement that the alleged use of such weapons in residential areas was deeply concerning.
A researcher in report noted that incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or severe injuries that may lead to lifelong suffering.
White phosphorus is a chemical substance used in artillery shells, bombs and rockets that ignites upon contact with oxygen, producing intense heat and thick smoke.
It can cause fires in homes, farmland and other civilian structures.
Under international humanitarian law, the use of airburst white phosphorus in populated areas is considered indiscriminate, as it may fail to meet the requirement of taking all feasible precautions to minimise civilian harm.
The substance is often used by militaries to create smoke screens, mark targets or signal positions. However, when deployed as an airburst projectile, it disperses numerous burning fragments over a wide area, potentially increasing the risk to civilians and property.
Human Rights Watch said an image shared on social media on the morning of March 3 appeared to show at least two artillery-fired white phosphorus munitions detonating mid-air above a residential neighbourhood in Yohmor.
The organisation said the smoke pattern visible in the image matched the distinctive shape produced by the bursting charges of an M825-series 155mm artillery projectile, which is known to contain white phosphorus.
The allegations come amid rising tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. Israel has recently warned residents to evacuate several districts in the southern suburbs of Beirut, including areas believed to be under Hezbollah control, signalling the possibility of further escalation.
Israel is yet to respond to these allegations.
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