UN chief 'very concerned' about reports of Israel's use of white phosphorus in Gaza

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "very concerned" about reports of Israel's alleged use of white phosphorus in the Gaza Strip and its "potential harm to civilians," his spokesman said Tuesday.

Stephane Dujarric said, however, the UN does not have "any independent confirmation" about the use of white phosphorus.

"We are very much aware of the open source reports of the alleged use of white phosphorus in populated areas," he told reporters.

"He, of course, is very concerned about these reports and the potential harm to civilians," he said

"(The) secretary general recalls that all parties through conflict must abide by international humanitarian law which prohibits the use of means and methods of warfare that are indiscriminate or that cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering," he said.

"And he calls on all parties to the conflict to avoid the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. And to take combat out of urban areas altogether," he added.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) last week said it verified videos showing multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus above Gaza and Lebanon on Oct. 10 - 11.

"Israel’s use of white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries," it said.

HRW said white phosphorus has a significant incendiary effect that can severely burn people and set structures, fields, and other civilian objects in the vicinity on fire.