Red Cross shoots down white phosphorous myth

Jerusalem Post:

The International Red Cross said Tuesday that Israel has fired white phosphorus shells in its offensive in the Gaza Strip, but has no evidence to suggest it is being used improperly or illegally.

The comments came after a human rights organization accused the Jewish state of using the incendiary agent, which ignites when it strikes the skin and burns straight through or until it is cut off from oxygen. It can cause horrific injuries.

...

"In some of the strikes in Gaza it's pretty clear that phosphorus was used," Herby told The Associated Press. "But it's not very unusual to use phosphorus to create smoke or illuminate a target. We have no evidence to suggest it's being used in any other way."

In response, the IDF said Tuesday that it "wishes to reiterate that it uses weapons in compliance with international law, while strictly observing that they be used in accordance with the type of combat and its characteristics."

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The hysteria over white phosphorous seems to be predictable with most major combat operations. It hasn't been that long that the human rights wackos where accusing the US of illegally using it in Fallujah. Some even provided evidence which was clearly inconsistent with white phosphorous. It has never been an illegal weapon and has been used for decades.