Skin contact can cause deep and extremely painful burns that can penetrate tissue and bone.
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247 The use of chemical weapons is one of the most alarming and controversial issues in the history of wars and armed conflicts. Among these weapons, white phosphorus is one of the scariest and deadliest. It is a chemical compound that is internationally banned due to its devastating effects on the human body and its potential to cause untold suffering.
With the attacks that the Israeli army is carrying out on the Gaza Strip in retaliation against Hamas, it is unleashing white heat on the Palestinian population. The complaint was confirmed by Human Rights Watch (HRW), one of the largest globally recognized human rights organizations. The NGO said it examined visual evidence documenting “several aerial explosions of white phosphorus” carried out by Israeli forces on October 10 and 11 over the port of Gaza and in two rural areas on the IsraelLebanon border . The organization expressed concerns that the use of this type of weapon “endangers the physical integrity of civilians and causes them serious and lasting injuries,” in violation of the principles of international humanitarian law.
Palestinian Health Minister Mai alKaila reported that AlDurra Children’s Hospital was attacked with internationally banned white phosphorus munitions. >>> “Israel’s use of chemical weapons constitutes a serious violation of international law,” says Pedro Serrano
Lama Fakih, HRW director for the Middle East and North Africa region, emphasized: “When white phosphorus is used in densely populated areas, it poses a high risk of causing painful injuries and lifelong suffering to those affected.” If it comes into contact with the skin White phosphorus can burn thermally and chemically down to the bones because it is very soluble in fat and therefore in human flesh.
What is white phosphorus? White phosphorus, chemically called P4, is a chemical substance that appears as a white or slightly yellowish solid at room temperature. It reacts strongly to air and is used in various contexts, for example in the manufacture of matches, in the chemical industry and in incendiary weapons.
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The use of white phosphorus as a chemical weapon is prohibited by the Incendiary Weapons Protocol, an international treaty adopted in 1980 as part of the Geneva Conventions. The ban was imposed due to the horror caused by this substance, particularly in urban environments and during conflicts with civilians. The aim of the treaty is to limit human suffering in armed conflicts.
White phosphorus causes terrible damage to the human body when used as a weapon. Skin contact can cause deep and extremely painful burns that can penetrate tissue and bone. White phosphorus can also be inhaled, causing a condition known as “phosphorus pneumonitis” or “white phosphorus disease,” which can be fatal.
One of the most frightening properties of white phosphorus is that it burns at such high temperatures that it is virtually impossible to put out the fire using conventional methods. The substance adheres to the skin and continues to burn until all the phosphorus is consumed, causing unimaginable suffering to the victim. In addition, white phosphorus gives off toxic fumes that can be inhaled and cause damage to the lungs and respiratory tract.
The use of white phosphorus is particularly devastating in urban and densely populated areas, as the substance can spread quickly and cause numerous deaths. Furthermore, the longterm health effects of people exposed to white phosphorus are significant, leading to increased human suffering after the conflict ends.
The use of white phosphorus as a chemical weapon is considered a war crime due to its devastating effects on the human body and the suffering it causes. The international ban aims to minimize the impact of these terrible weapons and protect the dignity and lives of civilians in times of conflict. To prevent its use and promote peace in areas affected by armed conflict, awareness of the horrors of white phosphorus must be raised.