Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that Israel used white phosphorus munitions in residential areas of southern Lebanon in recent strikes, a violation of international humanitarian law.

The New York-based rights organisation released its findings in a report on Monday, detailing the use of the incendiary chemical in populated areas.

HRW confirmed the authenticity of photos showing white phosphorus munitions fired over the residential area of Yohmor in southern Lebanon on March 3.

The attack reportedly caused fires to break out in at least two homes.

According to Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanese researcher for HRW, the Israeli military’s use of white phosphorus in residential areas is “extremely alarming” and could result in long-term suffering for civilians.

“The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries, often resulting in lifelong suffering,” Kaiss said in the report.

He emphasised that the use of airburst white phosphorus in populated areas violates international law, as it is indiscriminate and fails to take all necessary precautions to avoid civilian harm.

White phosphorus, a chemical substance that ignites when exposed to oxygen, can set fire to homes, agricultural land, and other civilian infrastructure.

The HRW report highlights that the munitions were fired unlawfully over concentrated civilian populations, resulting in extensive damage.

HRW verified several images posted online by Lebanese media on March 3, which showed two white phosphorus munitions airbursting over a residential neighbourhood in Yohmor.

The shape of the smoke cloud was consistent with the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile, which is designed to carry white phosphorus.

HRW also confirmed photographs shared on Facebook by the civil defence team of the Islamic Health Committee in Yohmor, showing workers attempting to extinguish fires on rooftops and in a car.

The rights group concluded that the fires were likely caused by the white phosphorus munitions, given the proximity of the damage to the airburst site.

The report stressed that such attacks expose civilians to unnecessary risk, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

HRW urged Israel to immediately cease the use of white phosphorus in populated areas and called on countries supplying Israel with weapons to suspend military assistance.

“Israel should immediately halt this practice,” Kaiss said.

“States providing Israel with white phosphorus munitions must halt military sales and pressure Israel to stop firing such weapons in residential areas.”

More than half a million people in Lebanon have been displaced due to Israel’s military operations.

The latest round of violence has also seen continued air strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the neighbourhoods of Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik, as well as the Safir area.

At least 394 people have been killed, and more than 1,000 injured in Israeli attacks across Lebanon.

HRW has urged Israel’s key allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, to suspend military sales to Israel and impose targeted sanctions on officials involved in committing grave crimes.

This is not the first time Israel has used white phosphorus in the region.

HRW documented the use of the chemical between October 2023 and May 2024 across southern Lebanon’s border villages, putting civilians at grave risk.

As the conflict escalates, international calls for accountability and an end to indiscriminate military tactics grow louder.