Lebanon Accuses Israel of Using White Phosphorus in South

Beirut: (News Desk) – Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) has accused Israeli forces of firing white phosphorus munitions in southern Lebanon during overnight military operations, alleging the strikes sparked fires in olive groves and pine forests.

According to the NNA, the shelling targeted the areas of Yaron, Haroun, and Bint Jbeil between Sunday and Monday night. The report also claimed that Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on the outskirts of Nabatiya al-Fouqa, while an Israeli drone allegedly dropped a stun or sound bomb near Beit al-Sayyad.

Israel has not officially responded to the allegations. When asked for comment, Israeli authorities neither confirmed nor denied the reported use of white phosphorus.

The reported incidents come amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with exchanges of airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire continuing along the Lebanon-Israel border.

According to Amnesty International, white phosphorus is an incendiary substance whose use is regulated under international humanitarian law because it can cause severe burns and pose significant risks to civilians. While it is not completely banned for certain military purposes, its use in or near populated civilian areas may violate international humanitarian law.