Israel's Use Of White Phosphorus Not Illegal: Red Cross

GENEVA — 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 the incendiary agent is being used improperly or illegally.

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

The International Committee of the Red Cross urged Israel to exercise "extreme caution" in using the incendiary agent, which is used to illuminate targets at night or create a smoke screen for day attacks, said Peter Herby, the head of the organization's mines-arms unit.

"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 Israeli military 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."

Herby said that using phosphorus to illuminate a target or create smoke is legitimate under international law, and that there was no evidence the Jewish state was intentionally using phosphorus in a questionable way, such as burning down buildings or consciously putting civilians at risk

However, Herby said evidence is still limited because of the difficulties of gaining access to Gaza, where Palestinian health officials say more than 900 people have been killed and 4,250 wounded since Israel launched its offensive late last month. Israel says the operation aims to halt years of Palestinian rocket attacks over the border.

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of firing phosphorous shells and warned of the possibilities of extreme fire and civilian injuries. The chemical is suspected in the cases of 10 burn victims who had skin peeling off their faces and bodies.

White phosphorus is not considered a chemical weapon.

Comments

[harris74]

03:27 PM on 01/15/2009

The Red Cross should be ashamed of themselves. White Phosphorous is a chemical weapon indeed and its use should be illegal. Please note, the Americans used white phosphorous on civilians in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Both Israel and the United States are guilty of crimes against humanity. Israel is wrong to do what it is doing to the Palestinian people. Israel has no right to fire this stuff on civilians.

[Fein]

11:08 AM on 01/15/2009

Red Cross is covering for Israeli war crimes despite the huge amount of film of the atrocities as well
as 'physical evidence'. 'Who're you gonna believe, the Israelis/Red Cross or your lying eyes?'
(The 'eyes' have it.)

I guess I'm not surprised. The Israelis have had 50 years to ensure that all agencies they allow to operate in Palestine fully cooperate with Israeli propaganda.

[SERGIOUK]

07:37 AM on 01/15/2009

Oh and by the way the head of the RED CROSS is Jewish. No surprises there then. Also an Israeli spokesperson said on Sky News today that there was evidence from the New York Times And AP news agency that Hamas fighters were in the vicinity when Un building was blown up recently. The New York Times and AP news agency are both owned by jews. No surprises there then.......

[SERGIOUK]

07:10 AM on 01/15/2009

We have seen on BBC news doctors that have treated women and children that have phosphorous burns. It is illegal under the Geneva convention to use white phosphorous shells in civilian areas. There is a mass of documented evidence that the Israelis have flauted International law. War Crime tribunals are needed to bring these murderers to book.

[harris74]

03:29 PM on 01/15/2009

It is a violation of international human rights law to use white phosphorous shells in civilian areas.

[Berettasskeeter]

10:59 PM on 01/14/2009

Finally, a voice of sanity in a world of Leftists-gone-mad!
Semper fi

[TheShadow]

07:54 PM on 01/13/2009

"..and that there was no evidence the Jewish state was intentionally using phosphorus in a questionable way, such as burning down buildings or consciously putting civilians at risk..."

"However, Herby said evidence is still limited because of the difficulties of gaining access to Gaza.."

So why make the statement at all? If you can't review the entire body of evidence based upon eyewitness accounts of those who allegedly may have suffered, or firsthand see the damage and make an assessment of the cause, then don't say anything at all. Your credibility rating along with your agency you represent just went down the crapper, Bud.

Shame on you, Red Cross; shame on you.

[chaos4700]

09:35 PM on 01/14/2009

Yeah, I find this report a bit disappointing too, in light of the fact that there are UN officials that are filing reports now indicating that there have been numerous civilian burn victims as a result of Israel firing this stuff over urban populations. And the headline should be about how Israel is making it impossible for independent investigators and journalists to confirm Israel's adherence to international law.

[BeckyJustice]

03:35 PM on 01/18/2009

Well, they are also tempering the original comment accusing Israel of using White Phosphorous, with, 'may be', "could be', 'might be', etc. Obviously, no one is sure. So why make the accusation at all?

But let's say they are. That Hamas forces the population to stay put after Israel warns them their location will be bombed, has been proven. (Google it.) For all intents and purposes, no matter what Israel is using, there should be NO CIVILIANS there. Ergo, no rules have been broken, except, Hamas use of the citizens of Gaza as human shields.