Israel’s
army said Thursday that it would soon halt its use of white phosphorus
shells after years of international criticism for using the incendiary
munitions in crowded Palestinian areas.
The army said in a statement that it would replace white phosphorus shells with ones based entirely on gas.
Israel was internationally condemned of its use during a military operation against Gaza in 2008-2009.
Israel launched a 22-day offensive on the Gaza Strip on December 27, 2008 in response to rocket fire from the Islamist Hamas-run territory. The war killed 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, and it sparked widespread international criticism of Israel for using disproportionate force.
International law prohibits the use of white phosphorous shells in heavily populated civilian areas, but allows them in open spaces to be used as cover for troops. A Human Rights Watch report claimed Israel committed war crimes in its use of air-burst white phosphorus artillery shells
The army said in a statement that it would replace white phosphorus shells with ones based entirely on gas.
Israel was internationally condemned of its use during a military operation against Gaza in 2008-2009.
Israel launched a 22-day offensive on the Gaza Strip on December 27, 2008 in response to rocket fire from the Islamist Hamas-run territory. The war killed 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, and it sparked widespread international criticism of Israel for using disproportionate force.
International law prohibits the use of white phosphorous shells in heavily populated civilian areas, but allows them in open spaces to be used as cover for troops. A Human Rights Watch report claimed Israel committed war crimes in its use of air-burst white phosphorus artillery shells
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