White phosphorus used over Lebanon town, HRW claims
Human Rights Watch said it verified and geolocated seven images showing what it described as airburst white phosphorus munitions falling over a residential part of Yohmor in Lebanon. The images also showed civil defence workers responding to fires in at least two homes and a nearby vehicle.One photograph posted on Telegram on March 3 showed two munitions exploding midair above the town. Analysts said the shape of the smoke clouds resembled the ‘knuckle pattern created by the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile, a type known to contain white phosphorus.
“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch.
What is white phosphorus, and why is it dangerous?
White phosphorus is dispersed through artillery shells, bombs, or rockets. Once exposed to air, the substance ignites and burns intensely.
It can set buildings, farmland, and vehicles on fire. Direct exposure may cause deep burns and long-term injuries. The material can also reignite if particles remain embedded in skin or clothing, HRW reported.Airburst munitions spread burning fragments across a wide area. In the case examined by Human Rights Watch, analysts said the rounds likely scattered dozens of burning wedges across a radius that could stretch well over 100 meters.
Evacuation warnings and escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Earlier, Israel’s Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a warning instructing residents of Yohmor and dozens of nearby villages to evacuate immediately and move at least one kilometre away from their homes.
#urgent ‼️Urgent warning to residents of southern Lebanon
????The activities of the terrorist Hezbollah force the IDF to act against it by force. The IDF does not intend to harm you.
????For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately. Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, facilities, or combat means puts his life in danger.… pic.twitter.com/4yVqByIonw— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) March 4, 2026
The statement was repeated later the same day.
Human Rights Watch said the use of airburst white phosphorus in populated areas is considered indiscriminate under international humanitarian law – because it spreads burning material over a broad area and can harm civilians.
The incident comes amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli airstrikes had killed at least 217 people in the country since March 2, with hundreds of thousands displaced.
The scale of displacement orders issued by Israel in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut has now raised additional concerns about civilian protection as the conflict continues.
