Why is it in the news?
Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions in residential areas of Lebanon.
The allegations raise concerns about violations of international humanitarian law.
Category: Misc
Important Points:
● White phosphorus is a toxic wax-like chemical substance that burns at temperatures above 800°C.
● It is typically white, yellow or colourless and has a garlic-like odour.
● White phosphorus munitions ignite quickly and produce dense smoke.
● Militaries use it to create smoke screens and battlefield illumination.
● As an incendiary weapon it can ignite buildings and cause severe burn injuries.
● Burns from white phosphorus can penetrate deep into tissues and reach the bone.
● The chemical can damage vital organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart.
● Its use against civilians is restricted under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), 1980.
● India is a party to all five protocols of the CCW.