ISRAEL ADMITS THE USE OF PHOSPHORUS BOMBS ON GAZA WAR

      Al Quds, Jerusalem, 17 Jumadil Akhir 1434/26 April 2013 (MINA) – The Israeli military officially acknowledged that they have used bombs which contained white phosphorus in cast lead military operations against Gaza 2008-2009 ago.

      “Israeli air forces repeatedly fired white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas of Gaza during cast lead operation in 2009,” Israeli sites revealed on Friday (26/4), according to Maan reports monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).     

      The war killed at least 1,400 Palestinians which sparked international condemnation for violations of international law and disproportionate force.

       However, Israel said that what Israeli army did was right in response to rocket attacks by Gaza militants.  Israel had previously used white phosphorus as in war against Lebanon in 2006.

      The use of controversial white phosphorus led the world protest because of civilian casualties. The debate also occurred over whether white phosphorus bombs, including chemical weapons are banned or not. Now the U.S. and Israel use white phosphorus as a weapon in their war, the media reported.

      Geneva Convention have banned the use of phosphorus as an offensive weapon against civilians, but its using as a smoke screen blocker outlook is not prohibited under international law.

       Although it has been established by the Geneva Conventions, this material still used many times. British and U.S. troops used it in the Iraq invasion in 2003 ago. International law prohibits the use of white phosphorus in a battle.

White Phosphorus Bombs

      White phosphorus (WP) results fire and smoke. It made of white allotrope of chemical element phosphorus. The main function of phosphorus bombs is to produce smoke shield that will protect the movement from the view of the enemy, or the shots are not seen by the enemy.

      WP can produce smoke quickly. The use of WP is commonly known in the military, infantry, tanks, and artillery.

      However, WP also has side effects. WP can burn very quickly whatsoever. It can also be used as a weapons to kill enemy, which would cause them to be exposed to fire or even death. WP is put into bombs, short-range missiles can explode and spread the fire.

      The phosphorus always burns on stage two or three, it because these particles do not stop burning and remains lit even after contact with skin until completely exhausted. Sometimes, it is not realized until the wound has reached the bone. (T/P04/P03)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)