CAIRO: While Israeli ground and air operations continue to pound Gaza for the 17th day, Israel chose to remain silent as it faces accusations of illegally using white phosphorus on the civilian population. Despite mounting evidence and witness accounts, Israeli officials continue to deny allegations that they used white phosphorus. Israeli Army spokesperson Avital Leibovich declined to release any information about the IDF s use of weaponry during the war on Gaza on Al-Jazeera. The IDF is using munitions in accordance with international law, said Leibovich, the policy of the IDF is not to specify the types of munitions. Although international law does not forbid the use of white phosphorus outright, there are restrictions on its use on civilian populations. In the densely populated Gaza, its use would be considered a war crime. Human Rights Watch (HRW) confirmed to Daily News Egypt that the white gases floating in the sky were in fact white phosphorus. Our researchers observed the use of the white phosphorus shells being air-burst over populated areas of Gaza, from the border, said Brian Griffey, a senior communications associate from the New York-based organization. They also saw first-hand the fused, unspent white phosphorus shells in the possession of Israeli troops on the Israeli side of the border. Last Saturday, HRW released a statement urging Israel to stop its unlawful use of the chemically reactive substance. Israel should stop using white phosphorus in military operations in densely populated areas of Gaza, the statement read. The organization s military analyst Marc Garlasco said in the statement that the effect of this weapon can prove detrimental to Gazans. White phosphorous can burn down houses and cause horrific burns when it touches the skin. HRW is not the only organization questioning Israel s alleged illegal use of chemical warfare. Mohamed Abdel Salam, a military analyst from Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that based on observations, the white gas being released in Gazan skies is the restricted white phosphorus. It is totally forbidden to be used on civilian populations, said Abdel Salam. It can lead to serious health problems. It s not the first time this weapon has been used. In 2006, Israel was more open in admitting that it used white phosphorus shells during its one-month summer war on Lebanon. The US State Department also confirmed that white phosphorus was used during the US-led war in Iraq while US forces were operating in Fallujah. The war on the legal front has fallen short of slowing down Israeli military operations in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli troops plunged further into Gaza clashing with Hamas insurgents bringing the Palestinian death toll to over 900 and the number of injuries to over 4,000.
