Israeli forces will end use of white phosphorus following international criticism

The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Thursday that the Israeli army has decided to stop using artillery shells containing the incendiary material white phosphorus following a wave of international criticisms over its use of such artillery during its war on the Gaza Strip in 2008.

Article III of the Geneva Convention on the use of non-conventional weapons prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against civilian targets. The Israeli army used phosphorous bombs extensively during the war on Gaza sparking criticism from many international institutions.

The Israeli army claimed that it used white phosphorus inside smoke bombs used to create smokescreens as cover for the movements of the Israeli army during the war and denied that it used incendiary bombs against civilian targets.

Maariv explained that in the wake of international criticism, including the criticism mentioned in the Goldstone report released following the Gaza War, the Israeli army has decided to end its use of the phosphorus material.

The newspaper pointed out that the Israeli army is looking for alternative materials for creating smokescreens.