Israel using banned white phosphorus in Gaza
World
As a weapon, white phosphorus is easily ignited, difficult to put out and can spread fire rapidly
(Web Desk) - Palestine's foreign ministry has accused Israel of using banned white phosphorus during its bombardment of
The incendiary weapon was reportedly used during attacks on the al-Karama complex, a collection of residential towers in northern Gaza, which housed hundreds of families.
"Israeli warplanes and artillery use internationally #prohibited_white_phosphorus, destroying #Al_Karama neighborhood in the northwest of Gaza City with a continuous series of airstrikes," the ministry wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday night.
"There are casualties and wounded, while ambulances and civil defense vehicles are unable to reach the area due to the intensity of the airstrikes and the destruction of the leading roads," the post continued.
Middle East Eye's sources on the ground reported seeing scenes consistent with past Israeli white phosphorus use in Gaza, including during the 2008 conflict. The accusations could not be independently verified by Middle East Eye.
Palestinian civil defence teams also reported the deployment of the munition in Gaza.
Journalists told Middle East Eye that a chemical they believe to be white phosphorus was also used near the Roots Hotel close to the port of Gaza on Wednesday morning.
Eyewitnesses attempted to put out the burning flames of the phosphorus on the ground by trying to put sand on top of it.
As a weapon, white phosphorus is easily ignited, difficult to put out, burns at high temperatures and can spread fire rapidly.
