By – Aditi Gupta
In at least five towns and villages in the war-torn southern Lebanon, Israel is alleged to have dismissed white phosphorous, or incendiary shells, on residential buildings by Human Rights Watch. This is violating international law and results in significant deaths among people.
In a report released on Wednesday, an international human rights group asserted that Israel had used white phosphorus, or incendiary shells, on residential buildings in at least five southern Lebanon towns and villages that had been devastated by conflict. This is against international law and causes severe damage to civilians. This injury has been treated for 173 individuals.
Human Rights Watch said that while there was no proof of burn injuries from white phosphorus in Lebanon, there were signs of potential respiratory harm. Human rights activists claim that it is illegal under international law to fire the disputed weapon into areas where people live. Yet Israel claims it does not target civilians while using white phosphorous; rather, it only does it as a smokescreen. The flaming chemical has the ability to burn human bones and set buildings on fire.
When white phosphorous comes into contact with oxygen, it explodes into flames. Its smoke can reach temperature of up to 800 degrees.
In Lebanon, a gunman tried to target the US embassy close to Beirut. According to the Lebanese army, the attacker was repelled with gunfire by the soldiers in retaliation. In accordance to the army, the assailant is a citizen of Syria. The attacker was hurt, and he was brought to the hospital. About thirty minutes were spent in gunfire close to the US diplomatic station located north of Beirut. According to the US embassy, there were no staff members hurt in this morning’s attack at the embassy’s entrance. Gaza and Palestine are acknowledged by Slovenia. Slovenia has opted to recognize the State of Palestine, following Norway, Spain, and Ireland. This European nation voted against Israel, to the benefit of Palestine.