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Israeli forces reportedly use phosphorus shells in attacks on southern Lebanon
Middle East Eye • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli forces conducted overnight attacks in southern Lebanon, including firing phosphorus shells, air strikes, and heavy artillery targeting multiple towns such as Mansouri, Bayt al-Sayyad, and Majdal Zoun.
- Lebanese state media reported extensive destruction to homes in Bayt al-Sayyad, with no house left undamaged, and additional explosions and machine-gun fire in surrounding villages and valleys.
- Israeli drones were active over western and central southern Lebanese villages, while warplanes struck Ali al-Taher hill near Nabatieh al-Fawqa, accompanied by artillery shelling using phosphorus munitions.
- The use of white phosphorus, which is banned under international law in densely populated areas due to its indiscriminate harm to civilians, has raised concerns amid previous warnings from human rights groups.
- White phosphorus causes severe burns and respiratory injuries, with recent 2024 reports by Human Rights Watch documenting its impact on residential buildings in multiple southern Lebanese border villages.
