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.
...[Head of the ICRC mines-arms unit, Peter] 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.
Not only was the white phosperous not being used illegally, the AP article clarifies that white phosphorus is not considered a chemical weapon.
Technorati Tag: Israel and Gaza and Hamas and Operation Cast Lead.
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