Gaza war lacked restraint, some Israeli troops say Jul 15, 2009
" USE OF CIVILIANS Except for a sergeant named Amir, the soldiers are anonymous and their faces digitally blurred. Transcribed statements can be viewed at www.breakingthesilence.org.il. The group said it had funding from Israeli human rights groups and the governments of Britain, the Netherlands and Spain, and from the European Union. "We believe that the existence of a moral society clearly requires a profound, honest discussion, of which the voice of soldiers on the ground is an inseparable... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Israel soldiers speak out on Gaza Jul 15, 2009
White phosphorus was used in civilian areas in a way some soldiers saw as gratuitous and reckless. Many of the soldiers said there had been very little direct engagement with Palestinian militants. (BBC News)
Attack on U.S. base kills 2 soldiers Jul 5, 2009
The attackers fired at least one shell containing white phosphorus, a highly incendiary agent, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said in a statement. Western military officials have accused insurgents of using white phosphorus in several previous attacks. (AZCentral -- News)
Amnesty accuses Israel, Hamas of Gaza war crimes Jul 3, 2009
Amnesty's 117-page report said "disturbing questions" remained about why high-precision Israeli weapons like tank shells and air-delivered bombs and missiles "killed so many children and other civilians." And it called on Israel to stop using artillery, white phosphorus and other imprecise weapons in densely populated areas. It also accused Israeli forces of using Palestinians as "human shields" and frequently blocking civilians from receiving medical care and humanitarian aid. (North County Times)
Israel accused of reckless war crimes in Gaza Jul 3, 2009
Amnesty called on Israel to publicly pledge not to use artillery, white phosphorus and other imprecise weapons in densely populated areas. And it urged Gaza's militant Hamas rulers to stop rocket fire against Israeli civilians attacks it also described as war crimes. (MSNBC -- International)
Amnesty International Charges Impunity for War Crimes in Gaza and Southern Israel Recipe for Further Civilian Suffering Jul 2, 2009
Others were killed with imprecise weapons, including artillery shells carrying white phosphorus - not previously used in Gaza - which should never be used in densely populated areas ... It calls on Israel to commit not to carry out direct, indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks on civilians; or use artillery, mortars and white phosphorus weapons in densely populated areas; and to end its blockade on the Gaza Strip, which is collectively punishing the entire population. (PR Newswire)
Missouri boy, 3, leaves hospital after 2 years Jun 26, 2009
The 8-year-old's skin was smoking from white phosphorus, a lethal chemical. Her hair was burned away. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Afghan girl learns to smile again Jun 24, 2009
Razia was evacuated to the hospital in May after she was severely burned when a white phosphorus round hit her home in the Tagab Valley, killing two of her sisters ... The 8-year-old's skin was smoking from white phosphorus, a lethal chemical ... But her skin will remain scarred, her hair will never grow back and the mystery behind her tragedy remains unsolved: Who fired the white phosphorus. (MSNBC -- International)
Docs save burned Afghan girl Jun 24, 2009
The 8-year-old's skin was smoking from white phosphorus, a lethal chemical ... But her skin will remain scarred, her hair will never grow back and the mystery behind her tragedy remains unsolved: Who fired the white phosphorus ... White phosphorus burns until it's gone. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Fighting rages in Sri Lanka, more civilians flee May 16, 2009
The two sides traded accusations over the use of banned weapons like cluster bombs and white phosphorus, with the military warning the LTTE could use the latter to slaughter civilians en masse and blame the government. Independent confirmation of events is nearly impossible, since most outsiders are barred from the area and both sides have repeatedly distorted accounts to their advantage. (AlertNet)
US fights Taliban on another front: public relations May 14, 2009
The US military rejected that claim and went on the offensive Monday, when Col. Greg Julian, the top spokesman in Afghanistan, alleged that Taliban militants have employed white phosphorus a highly flammable material that causes severe burns at least four times in Afghanistan over the past two years. Just hours later, another spokesperson highlighted 44 documented cases where militants in Afghanistan may have used the chemical in mortar attacks and homemade bombs, most recently in an... (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Afghan militants 'used phosphorus' May 13, 2009
THE US has accused Afghan militants of using white phosphorus as a weapon in "reprehensible" attacks on US forces and in civilian areas. The US military declassified documents on Monday showing at least 38 instances in which militants had used white phosphorus in attacks or where such weapons had been found in eastern Afghanistan, where the US primarily operates ... White phosphorus is a flare and smoke-producing agent commonly used to create smokescreens to mask the movement of combatants. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Taliban use gas attack to scare girls May 13, 2009
NATO accused the Taliban this week of using white phosphorus. According to headmistress Mossena, there was a strange odour which engulfed the courtyard as girls began retching uncontrollably. (India Times, India)
U.S.: Afghan militants using white phosphorous May 12, 2009
KABUL - The U.S. accused Afghan militants Monday of using white phosphorus as a weapon in "reprehensible" attacks on U.S. forces and in civilian areas. The accusation comes two months after an 8-year-old Afghan girl named Razia was wounded by white phosphorus in a battle between militants and NATO troops ... U.S and NATO troops frequently use white phosphorus to illuminate targets and create smoke screens. (MSNBC -- International)
US military: 44 Afghan cases of white phosphorus May 12, 2009
The U.S. has accused Afghan militants of using white phosphorus as a weapon in "reprehensible" attacks on U.S. forces and in civilian areas. . (Herald Sun)
Taleban 'used white phosphorous' May 12, 2009
The US military says it has evidence that insurgents in Afghanistan have illegally used white phosphorus ammunition to attack its forces ... White phosphorus is allowed in battle to illuminate targets ... "The insurgents possess and use white phosphorus as a weapon against people," said Col Julian. (BBC News -- South Asia)
U.S.: Militants Using Chemical Weapons May 12, 2009
Text Size: (AP) The U.S. military says it has documented 44 cases where militants in Afghanistan have used white phosphorus in attacks or where the weapons have been found in caches ... Jenny Willis says insurgents are using white phosphorus in mortar attacks and in homemade bombs ... U.S. documents show that the most recent attack where militants used white phosphorus was last Thursday, when a NATO outpost in Logar province was hit with two rounds of white phosphorus fire. (CBS News -- World)
Afghan-war front gets new general May 12, 2009
The U.S. military declassified documents showing at least 38 instances where militants had used white phosphorus in attacks or where weapons had been found in eastern Afghanistan. The report comes two months after an 8-year-old Afghan girl named Razia was wounded by white phosphorus in a battle between militants and NATO troops. (AZCentral -- News)
Chemical suspected in Afghan wounds May 11, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan - Doctors voiced concern over "unusual" burns on Afghan villagers wounded in a controversial US-Taliban battle, and the country's top human rights groups said yesterday it is investigating the possibility white phosphorus was used ... The United States says Taliban fighters have used white phosphorus, a spontaneously flammable material used to illuminate targets or create smoke that leaves severe chemical burns on flesh, at least four times the last two years ... Using white... (Boston Globe)
US to review Afghan air strikes May 11, 2009
Also on Sunday, the US military denied using white phosphorus in the battle, after local doctors reported treating unusual burns that they said could have been caused by such a chemical ... The US military on Sunday denied that it had used white phosphorus in the battle in Farah, after doctors in the area said they were investigating strange burns on a number of patients ... White phosphorus bursts into flames on contact with the air and can cause severe burns. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Concern over burns on Afghans caught in battle May 10, 2009
KABUL - Afghanistan's leading human rights organization said Sunday it was investigating the possibility that white phosphorus was used in a U.S.-Taliban battle that killed scores of Afghans ... Allegations that white phosphorus or another chemical may have been used threatens to deepen the controversy over what Afghan officials say could be the worst case of civilian deaths since the 2001 U.S. invasion that ousted the Taliban regime ... Nader Nadery, a commissioner for the Afghan Independent... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
EXCLUSIVE-Afghan girl's burns show horror of chemical strike May 9, 2009
(Adds U.S. examples of Taliban using white phosphorus) ... White phosphorus can be used legally in war to provide light, create smokescreens or burn buildings, so it is not banned under international treaties that forbid using chemicals as weapons ... "In the case of white phosphorus it is used on the battlefield in certain applications...It is used as an incendiary to destroy bunkers and enemy equipment; it's used for illumination.". (AlertNet)
U.N. experts prepare to investigate war crimes in Gaza May 9, 2009
The New York-based group Human Rights Watch has said that the Israeli army unlawfully fired white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas of Gaza, needlessly killing and injuring civilians, and cited it as evidence of war crimes. Goldstone's fellow investigators are Pakistani human rights lawyer Hina Jilani, British international law professor Christine Chinkin and retired Irish colonel Desmond Travers. (AlertNet)
UN demands compensation for Israeli strikes May 6, 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said a UN investigation found conclusively that Israeli weaponry some containing white phosphorus was the undisputed cause of attacks on several schools, a health clinic and the world body's Gaza headquarters. Israel denies that it intentionally struck the compounds, and says it was forced to act against militants using the buildings and other civilian areas for cover. (Globe and Mail)
UN rebukes Israel over Gaza raids May 6, 2009
The board of inquiry also criticises Israel's use of white phosphorus shells which the UN says caused the incineration of the UN's main food warehouse in Gaza. Reparations sought. (BBC News -- Africa)
Top Jewish groups denounce Gaza cartoon Mar 30, 2009
Human Rights Watch said Wednesday the Israeli military's firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas during the offensive "was indiscriminate and is evidence of war crimes," a claim denied by Israel. Israel has said that militants situated themselves among civilians during the offensive. (CNN -- World)
Barbaric seal hunt Mar 29, 2009
I suspect that the U.S. uses small local wars to test and experiment with our new weapons such as these drones, Agent Orange, napalm, depleted uranium, white phosphorus and the horrendous Dime explosive. -- GLORIA del VECCHIO, Morrisville, Pa. (NJ.com -- Times)
Headlines in the news: FROM THE ECONOMIST March 22-28 Mar 29, 2009
Israel's firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas of Gaza during its recent military campaign was evidence of a war crime, said Human Rights Watch, a New York-based lobby. Its report followed an earlier one in Israel's Haaretz newspaper, which cited claims by Israeli soldiers that Palestinian civilians had been killed in cold blood. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
South Africa: Country Has Lost Chance for PR Glory Mar 28, 2009
someone who supports the zionists who murder Palestinian children and women with white phosphorus, napalm and depleted uranium should never be allowed in any country and must never be treated as some holy man. there is nothing holy about someone who supports the israhelli apartheid state that is committing ethnic cleansing and genocide against the. (allAfrica.com)
What's So Great About White Phosphorus? Mar 28, 2009
Why do militaries keep using white phosphorus ... What's So Great About White Phosphorus ... A piece of alleged white phosphorous in the Gaza StripHuman Rights Watch of "deliberately or recklessly" using white phosphorus shells over densely populated civilian areas, in a report released Wednesday. (Slate)
Israeli officers defend troops against abuse charges in Gaza Mar 28, 2009
This week, Human Rights Watch issued a report citing six cases of improper use of white phosphorus by Israel and calling them evidence of war crimes. Israel has not completed its own study. (International Herald Tribune)
Letter: In response to criticism Mar 28, 2009
I also know about white phosphorus; how it is supposed to be used and what it does to human beings when it is misused. In answer to Helbig s question, What exactly is a tungsten bomb. (North Andover Citizen, MA)
* Israel accused over bomb use Mar 27, 2009
WHITE PHOSPHORUS: The exploding shells are used by armies to produce a smoke screen, but Israel is said to have fired them indiscriminately at Palestinian civilians AP , JERUSALEM Friday, Mar 27, 2009, Page 6. Unexploded white phosphorus canisters and shells are gathered at a site in Gaza City by Palestinian demining teams in a photo provided on Wednesday by Human Rights Watch. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
• UN says little progress made on key Gaza issues Mar 26, 2009
In this undated photo provided Wednesday, March 25, 2009 by Human Rights Watch, a substance identified by Human Rights Watch as a wedge of white phosphorus burns in Khuza a village, southern Gaza, ten days after it hit the town. Israel fired white phosphorous shells indiscriminately over densely populated areas of Gaza in what amounts to a war crime, Human Rights Watch said in a report Wednesday. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Report: 'Evidence of war crimes' in Gaza Mar 26, 2009
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The Israeli military's firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas during the Gaza offensive "was indiscriminate and is evidence of war crimes," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report on Wednesday. Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus shells over populated areas in Gaza ... "In Gaza, the Israeli military didn't just use white phosphorus in open areas as a screen for its troops," said Fred Abrahams, a HRW senior emergencies researcher. (CNN -- World)
LETTERS: NCT, March 24, 2009 Mar 24, 2009
" To leave such an important part of a story out of a supposed "free press" story is indeed surprising.May I suggest the North County Times review your curious media/partners policy.John AndersonSan MarcosBilbray, Issa against homeownersJunious Montgomery has left his Hillary-world to attack two female "Peggy" writers to this page. If Montgomery had a clue, he would focus on real problems.According to the North County Times, local mortgage defaults hit a new record in February . Since January... (North County Times)
Israel looks into abuse claims Mar 20, 2009
Cases they cite include the use of white phosphorus ammunition and shelling near a UN school that killed 42 people seeking sanctuary there. White phosphorus can be employed legitimately in battle, but rights groups say its use over populated areas can indiscriminately burn civilians and constitutes a war crime. (Globe and Mail)
U.N. rights envoy sees Israeli war crimes in Gaza Mar 20, 2009
18 offensive and its use of weapons including white phosphorus, as well as Hamas firing of rockets at civilian targets in southern Israel. Falk said that Israel's blockade of the coastal strip of 1. (AlertNet)
UPDATE: U.S. Jet Shoots Down Iranian Drone Over Iraq... Mar 14, 2009
"Israel used White Phosphorus against HAMAS targets in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead in January 2009. This violated no international laws or conventions. ". And it is the truth. (The Drudge Report)
Editor's mailbag (March 7) Mar 12, 2009
When Israel attacks Palestinians, as during the recent assault on Gaza, its instruments of destruction are U.S. fighter jets and attack helicopters, U.S. missiles, U.S.-made white phosphorus, U.S.-made Caterpillar bulldozers. All of this American-made destruction is clearly identifiable to television audiences throughout the Arab and Muslim world, where viewers receive a steady diet of news showing Palestinian civilians being killed by weapons made in the USA. It is from this vast population,... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor Hands-On Mar 5, 2009
Some of the ways to power up include boosting the number of shots Able squad is capable of firing before reloading, acquiring white phosphorus grenades that burn the ground after detonation, damage and accuracy increases, and a few other special abilities. Baker squad can be upgraded with demolition charges, an extra recoilless rifle that can be augmented with better damage and faster loading, smoke and stun grenades, and the ability to sense enemies nearby. (IGN PC Games)
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Mar 1, 2009
Across Gaza, researchers observed the wide-scale destruction of greenhouses and agricultural land, destroyed factories, a hospital burned by fire from white phosphorus shells, and the bombed Ministry of Justice building. In total, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimates that the fighting in December and January damaged or destroyed 14,000 homes, 219 factories, 240 schools, and 31 nongovernmental organizations. (AlertNet)
Letter: Mistruths about nuclear weapons Feb 28, 2009
A junior artillery officer, proud of the way his battery had supported the infantry in the tough house-to-house fighting to root Al Qaeda and Sunni insurgents out of Fallujah wrote of bake and shake, the firing of white phosphorus to get the terrorists to come out of their deeply dug in holes followed by high explosive to kill them off. Ever since, activists like Cadarette claim that the white phosphorus was some sort of horrid war crime when it wasn t. It was not used on civilians; the... (North Andover Citizen, MA)
ARSENAL PHOSPHOROUS CITED IN AMNESTY INT’L OUTCRY Feb 25, 2009
Israeli forces used white phosphorus and other weapons supplied by the U.S.A. to carry out serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, said Donatella Rovera, head of Amnesty s fact-finding mission in southern Israel and Gaza ... Amnesty said it considers the repeated use of white phosphorus used to provide a smokescreen for troops, with a highly incendiary effect in densely-populated civilian areas a form of indiscriminate attack. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
* Amnesty urges arms embargo against Israel, Hamas Feb 24, 2009
Detailed evidence has emerged of Israels extensive use of US-made weaponry during its war in Gaza last month, including white phosphorus artillery shells, 227kg bombs and Hellfire missiles ... They also found fragments of US-made white phosphorus artillery shells, marked M825 A1 ... On Jan. 15, several white phosphorus shells fired by the Israeli military hit the headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency in Gaza City, destroying medicine, food and aid. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Amnesty seeks arms embargo over Gaza Feb 24, 2009
Israeli forces used white phosphorus and other weapons supplied by the United States, killing hundreds of civilians and destroying homes, the group said. The use of white phosphorus is restricted under international law ... Many of the munitions used by the Israeli army were American-made, and included bombs, white phosphorus remains and missiles seemingly launched from unmanned drones, Amnesty said. (CNN -- World)
Case studies: Weapons use Feb 24, 2009
Amnesty has dubbed Israel's use of white phosphorus as a war crime. As well as the way Israeli forces used white phosphorous in the conflict, which Amnesty has dubbed a war crime, the organisation has also raised concerns about other weapons and their use. (BBC News -- Africa)
Q&A: White phosphorus injuries Feb 23, 2009
Sticks of white phosphorus have to be kept submerged to prevent them igniting. There has been concern that Israel has been using controversial white phosphorus shells during its offensive in Gaza ... White phosphorus can have serious, longterm effects on health. (BBC News -- Africa)
Israel defends phosphorus use Feb 23, 2009
Israel insists its use of white phosphorus shells during its three-week campaign in Gaza was not illegal ... White phosphorus is legal for making smokescreens in open battleground ... The UN said its headquarters were hit by three white phosphorus shells during the offensive, causing a fire destroying much of its aid supplies. (BBC News -- Africa)
Legal quagmire Feb 19, 2009
During the three-week conflict, the United Nations says more than 40 people were killed when Israeli shells landed near a UN school and that warehouses at its main compound in Gaza City were hit by Israeli white phosphorus shells ... Amnesty International says it has found "compelling evidence" that white phosphorus weapons were used by Israel in crowded parts of Gaza ... Regarding the use of white phosphorus, it said the army only used weapons "that are permitted by international laws and... (BBC News -- Africa)
Explosives haul missing in Gaza Feb 18, 2009
The explosives, including aircraft bombs and white phosphorus shells, were fired by the Israeli military during its recent offensive in the Gaza Strip. UN officials said they were urgently trying to establish where the arms had gone and have called for their return. (BBC News -- Africa)
Why Chemical Warfare Is Ancient History Feb 16, 2009
Falling from the sky, the sand, says Mayor, "would have had the same ghastly effect as white phosphorus," the chemical agent allegedly used during Israel's recent bombardment of Gaza, not far to the south of ancient Tyre. A Chinese ruler in A.D. 178 put down a peasant revolt by encircling the rebels with chariots heaped with limestone powder. (Time.com)
Court moves to study claims of Gaza crimes Feb 11, 2009
They include accusations from individuals and organizations that Israel has violated the rules of war by targeting civilians and nonmilitary buildings, and by using weapons like white phosphorus illegally ... Israel has also said that it will investigate its attacks on UN schools and headquarters and the use of unlawful weapons in urban areas, including the use of white phosphorus. (International Herald Tribune)
Why the Muslim world can't hear Obama Feb 9, 2009
We expected him to address the reports that the Israeli military illegally used white phosphorus against the people of Gaza. We also wanted Obama, who studied law and political science at the greatest American universities, to recognize what we see as a simple, essential truth: the right of people in an occupied territory to resist military occupation. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
After the war, Gazans seek answers on white phosphorus Feb 8, 2009
Burn Unit: Nafiz Abu Shabam says many Gazans that he treated were burned by white phosphorus ... Gaza doctors add to the growing number of accounts that suggest Israel used white phosphorus munitions against international norms of war ... com's Pat Murphy white phosphorus munitions and allegations that they were used by Israel against Hamas targets in Gaza. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Outcry Against Gaza "War Crimes" Grows Feb 8, 2009
Israel also has been criticized for using white phosphorus weapons, which can be legitimately used in war to create smoke screens or provide illumination ... Israel's military said it used all munitions legally, but it has launched an investigation into whether troops used white phosphorus inappropriately. (CBS News -- World)
In pictures: My street in Gaza Feb 7, 2009
He says the burning drugs gave off a toxic stench, but he was more worried about the white phosphorus shells being fired into his street. A view of al-Quds hospital, which is two blocks away from Said's apartment. (BBC News -- Africa)
