Overview
- Human Rights Watch reports artillery‑fired white phosphorus was airburst over the town of Yohmor on March 3, describing the use over residential areas as unlawful under international humanitarian law.
- The group says it verified and geolocated seven images showing characteristic airbursts, fires in at least two homes and a car, and a smoke pattern consistent with M825‑series 155mm white phosphorus projectiles.
- An Israeli military spokesperson had ordered evacuations for Yohmor and dozens of other villages earlier that day; HRW says it could not confirm whether residents were present or if anyone was injured.
- The IDF told media it is unaware of and cannot confirm the alleged use in Lebanon, reiterating past statements that white phosphorus is employed primarily as a smokescreen and not to target civilians.
- HRW urges Israel to halt the practice and calls on the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany to suspend arms sales, while noting Lebanon’s recent casualties and mass displacement during intensified hostilities.