Israel has reportedly used white phosphorus near Lebanese cities and towns. What is it?

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: World Israel has reportedly used white phosphorus near Lebanese cities and towns. June 6, 20262:48 PM ET By Stephan Bisaha A piece of alleged white phosphorus still burns at UNRWA's (UN Relief and Works Agency) primary school in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on January 24, 2009. Oliver Laban-Mattei/ hide caption toggle caption Oliver Laban-Mattei/ Human rights groups and The New York Times say they have documented Israel's use of the chemical white phosphorus over civilian areas in Lebanon.

It is a substance that can cause severe burns, respiratory issues and death. The New York Times reported Saturday that Israel used white phosphorus in the Lebanese town of Nabatieh May 30 by verifying social media videos. Israel re-started strikes on the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon shortly after Israel and the U.

The Details

jointly struck Iran at the end of February. Hezbollah had first re-ignited the cross-border conflict with projectiles fired at communities in Northern Israel in early March. While Lebanon and Israel agreed to a ceasefire Wednesday, Hezbollah rejected that agreement.

Since then, continued Israeli airstrikes have killed nine people, including three members of the Lebanese military. Sponsor Message Middle East conflict Hezbollah rejects ceasefire deal agreed on by Israel and Lebanon Middle East Israeli airstrikes kill 9 including Lebanese army officers after ceasefire deal White phosphorus is not banned under international law, but it is illegal to use the chemical in and near populated areas since it can cause widespread harm. Israel has been accused by the international human rights community for decades of using the substance in a way that puts civilians in danger.

"It can create cruel injuries—life long injuries," says Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher with the international NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW). " What is white phosphorus? White phosphorus is a solid, waxy chemical that ignites instantly when combined with oxygen.

What Experts Say

The Chemical Weapons Convention, an arms control treaty signed by more than 190 states, that focuses on the production and use of chemical weapons, designates white phosphorus an incendiary agent rather than a chemical weapon. Countries can use the substance to create smoke screens, and the Israel Defense Forces say it's for this purpose that it uses the substance in some of its artillery shells. White phosphorus can also be used to mark military targets for subsequent strikes.

But the Chemical Weapons Convention does prohibit such incendiary agents from being used in civilian areas, and that is what Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have accused Israel of doing. Sponsor Message NPR has not independently verified these claims and Israel denies using white phosphorus in a way that violates the law. Why is white phosphorus dangerous to civilians?

The substance can cause indiscriminate damage.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.