Use of White Phosphorus on Lebanese Villages: Military Necessity or War Crime?
Journalistic documentation of crimes committed during war is an important and necessary task. It holds war criminals and their regimes accountable before international courts in the future, and helps maintain an accurate historical record of these crimes to ensure they are not forgotten. Documentation also plays a crucial role in refuting false narratives propagated by warring forces and their political allies, who aim to alter the reality and downplay war crimes. Documentation is the act of writing history in the language of truth, serving as the sole witness allowed to speak when consciences fall silent in the courtroom of wars.
This feature documents Israel's repeated use of white phosphorus, witnessed in the villages of southern Lebanon since the start of the war in October 2023. It highlights its health and environmental impacts, as well as the resulting economic and social consequences. The report also offers recommendations.
Journalistic documentation of crimes committed during war is an important and necessary task. It holds war criminals and their regimes accountable before international courts in the future, and helps maintain an accurate historical record of these crimes to ensure they are not forgotten. Documentation also plays a crucial role in refuting false narratives propagated by warring forces and their political allies, who aim to alter the reality and downplay war crimes. Documentation is the act of writing history in the language of truth, serving as the sole witness allowed to speak when consciences fall silent in the courtroom of wars.
This feature documents Israel's repeated use of white phosphorus, witnessed in the villages of southern Lebanon since the start of the war in October 2023. It highlights its health and environmental impacts, as well as the resulting economic and social consequences. The report also offers recommendations.
Journalistic documentation of crimes committed during war is an important and necessary task. It holds war criminals and their regimes accountable before international courts in the future, and helps maintain an accurate historical record of these crimes to ensure they are not forgotten. Documentation also plays a crucial role in refuting false narratives propagated by warring forces and their political allies, who aim to alter the reality and downplay war crimes. Documentation is the act of writing history in the language of truth, serving as the sole witness allowed to speak when consciences fall silent in the courtroom of wars.
This feature documents Israel's repeated use of white phosphorus, witnessed in the villages of southern Lebanon since the start of the war in October 2023. It highlights its health and environmental impacts, as well as the resulting economic and social consequences. The report also offers recommendations.
Shells that appear to be white phosphorus from Israeli artillery explode over Dhaira, a Lebanese border village with occupied Palestinian territories, South Lebanon, on Oct. 16, 2023 (AP/Hussein Malla)
Shells that appear to be white phosphorus from Israeli artillery explode over Dhaira, a Lebanese border village with occupied Palestinian territories, South Lebanon, on Oct. 16, 2023 (AP/Hussein Malla)
Shells that appear to be white phosphorus from Israeli artillery explode over Dhaira, a Lebanese border village with occupied Palestinian territories, South Lebanon, on Oct. 16, 2023 (AP/Hussein Malla)
During the war between Israel and Lebanon, numerous reports emerged indicating the enemy's use of white phosphorus in civilian areas. These reports were supported by findings from human rights organizations and investigative journalists who documented these attacks. The use of white phosphorus extended beyond military purposes, affecting residential areas and causing harm to both civilians and the environment. Despite the regulations set by international law and the Third Protocol of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to ensure the safety of civilians and their property, these incidents raise questions about the enemy army's compliance with these laws.
During the war between Israel and Lebanon, numerous reports emerged indicating the enemy's use of white phosphorus in civilian areas. These reports were supported by findings from human rights organizations and investigative journalists who documented these attacks. The use of white phosphorus extended beyond military purposes, affecting residential areas and causing harm to both civilians and the environment. Despite the regulations set by international law and the Third Protocol of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to ensure the safety of civilians and their property, these incidents raise questions about the enemy army's compliance with these laws.
During the war between Israel and Lebanon, numerous reports emerged indicating the enemy's use of white phosphorus in civilian areas. These reports were supported by findings from human rights organizations and investigative journalists who documented these attacks. The use of white phosphorus extended beyond military purposes, affecting residential areas and causing harm to both civilians and the environment. Despite the regulations set by international law and the Third Protocol of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to ensure the safety of civilians and their property, these incidents raise questions about the enemy army's compliance with these laws.
Historical Context
Israel's Use of Phosphorus Against Lebanese Areas
During the Israeli invasion (1982)
In the Seven-Day War (July 1993)
April 1996
The July War (2006)
October 2023
During the Israeli invasion (1982)
In the Seven-Day War (July 1993)
April 1996
The July War (2006)
October 2023
During the Israeli invasion (1982)
In the Seven-Day War (July 1993)
April 1996
The July War (2006)
October 2023
White phosphorus is the pure form of natural phosphorus, which does not occur in nature but is manufactured from phosphate rocks. It is a solid, waxy compound that is white to yellowish in color, with a smell resembling garlic.
What makes this compound dangerous is its ability to oxidize (react with oxygen) spontaneously without any catalyst, making it highly flammable upon exposure to air. It continues to burn until it is fully oxidized or deprived of oxygen.
White phosphorus can reignite weeks after its initial use if it is exposed to oxygen again. It produces dense white smoke.
White phosphorus is the pure form of natural phosphorus, which does not occur in nature but is manufactured from phosphate rocks. It is a solid, waxy compound that is white to yellowish in color, with a smell resembling garlic.
What makes this compound dangerous is its ability to oxidize (react with oxygen) spontaneously without any catalyst, making it highly flammable upon exposure to air. It continues to burn until it is fully oxidized or deprived of oxygen.
White phosphorus can reignite weeks after its initial use if it is exposed to oxygen again. It produces dense white smoke.
White phosphorus is the pure form of natural phosphorus, which does not occur in nature but is manufactured from phosphate rocks. It is a solid, waxy compound that is white to yellowish in color, with a smell resembling garlic.
What makes this compound dangerous is its ability to oxidize (react with oxygen) spontaneously without any catalyst, making it highly flammable upon exposure to air. It continues to burn until it is fully oxidized or deprived of oxygen.
White phosphorus can reignite weeks after its initial use if it is exposed to oxygen again. It produces dense white smoke.
What is White Phosphorus?
The name phosphorus comes from the Latin word "phosphorus," which means "bringer of light." Initially, phosphorus was used as a light source. Later, it was adopted in warfare due to its ability to generate dense smoke for signaling or military camouflage. However, invoking military necessity for its use is governed by specific rules. This does not align with the systematic destructive context employed by Israeli occupation forces, as it is prohibited to use phosphorus directly against people or in populated areas.
The name phosphorus comes from the Latin word "phosphorus," which means "bringer of light." Initially, phosphorus was used as a light source. Later, it was adopted in warfare due to its ability to generate dense smoke for signaling or military camouflage. However, invoking military necessity for its use is governed by specific rules. This does not align with the systematic destructive context employed by Israeli occupation forces, as it is prohibited to use phosphorus directly against people or in populated areas.
The name phosphorus comes from the Latin word "phosphorus," which means "bringer of light." Initially, phosphorus was used as a light source. Later, it was adopted in warfare due to its ability to generate dense smoke for signaling or military camouflage. However, invoking military necessity for its use is governed by specific rules. This does not align with the systematic destructive context employed by Israeli occupation forces, as it is prohibited to use phosphorus directly against people or in populated areas.
Military Uses
White phosphorus is a highly controversial substance from a legal standpoint and can be examined from multiple angles. Dr. Ali Fadlallah, a professor of international law and political science, raises several questions: "Is it a chemical substance that falls under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention?" "Is it an incendiary material covered by Protocol III of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons?" "Does it have legitimate military use?"
Regardless of its classification, the fact remains that Israel has not signed many of these agreements, and its refusal to sign or join the International Criminal Court helps protect it from legal prosecution.
From another perspective, Israel and other countries are still bound by the general rules of international humanitarian law, which prohibit targeting civilians. Under international law, any weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or have no justification are prohibited. Therefore, even if Israel avoids signing specific agreements, there are international norms and rules that govern this matter. Failure to comply with these can lead to prosecution for war crimes in international courts.
Amnesty International's review of evidence indicates that Israel used artillery shells containing white phosphorus smoke during an attack on the southern border town of Al-Dhahira, a populated area. Amnesty's Crisis Evidence Lab verified that artillery shells hitting Al-Dhahira on October 16 contained white phosphorus smoke. Human Rights Watch confirmed that Israeli forces used white phosphorus munitions in at least 17 towns in southern Lebanon since October 2023.
Dr. Fadlallah adds that the use of white phosphorus in civilian areas not only violates international protocols but also breaches ethical standards in warfare. The principle of distinction, which requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians, has been ignored.
White phosphorus is a highly controversial substance from a legal standpoint and can be examined from multiple angles. Dr. Ali Fadlallah, a professor of international law and political science, raises several questions: "Is it a chemical substance that falls under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention?" "Is it an incendiary material covered by Protocol III of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons?" "Does it have legitimate military use?"
Regardless of its classification, the fact remains that Israel has not signed many of these agreements, and its refusal to sign or join the International Criminal Court helps protect it from legal prosecution.
From another perspective, Israel and other countries are still bound by the general rules of international humanitarian law, which prohibit targeting civilians. Under international law, any weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or have no justification are prohibited. Therefore, even if Israel avoids signing specific agreements, there are international norms and rules that govern this matter. Failure to comply with these can lead to prosecution for war crimes in international courts.
Amnesty International's review of evidence indicates that Israel used artillery shells containing white phosphorus smoke during an attack on the southern border town of Al-Dhahira, a populated area. Amnesty's Crisis Evidence Lab verified that artillery shells hitting Al-Dhahira on October 16 contained white phosphorus smoke. Human Rights Watch confirmed that Israeli forces used white phosphorus munitions in at least 17 towns in southern Lebanon since October 2023.
Dr. Fadlallah adds that the use of white phosphorus in civilian areas not only violates international protocols but also breaches ethical standards in warfare. The principle of distinction, which requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians, has been ignored.
White phosphorus is a highly controversial substance from a legal standpoint and can be examined from multiple angles. Dr. Ali Fadlallah, a professor of international law and political science, raises several questions: "Is it a chemical substance that falls under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention?" "Is it an incendiary material covered by Protocol III of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons?" "Does it have legitimate military use?"
Regardless of its classification, the fact remains that Israel has not signed many of these agreements, and its refusal to sign or join the International Criminal Court helps protect it from legal prosecution.
From another perspective, Israel and other countries are still bound by the general rules of international humanitarian law, which prohibit targeting civilians. Under international law, any weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or have no justification are prohibited. Therefore, even if Israel avoids signing specific agreements, there are international norms and rules that govern this matter. Failure to comply with these can lead to prosecution for war crimes in international courts.
Amnesty International's review of evidence indicates that Israel used artillery shells containing white phosphorus smoke during an attack on the southern border town of Al-Dhahira, a populated area. Amnesty's Crisis Evidence Lab verified that artillery shells hitting Al-Dhahira on October 16 contained white phosphorus smoke. Human Rights Watch confirmed that Israeli forces used white phosphorus munitions in at least 17 towns in southern Lebanon since October 2023.
Dr. Fadlallah adds that the use of white phosphorus in civilian areas not only violates international protocols but also breaches ethical standards in warfare. The principle of distinction, which requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians, has been ignored.
Legal and Ethical Aspects
The health effects of white phosphorus are severe. When exposed to it, white phosphorus can cause deep burns that reach the bone, are difficult to treat, and often result in severe scarring or disfigurement. Inhalation can also lead to serious respiratory problems.
In this context, Professor Fouad Bazzi, a chemist and journalist for Al-Akhbar newspaper, recounts a story told by Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta about treating and extracting phosphorus shrapnel from the bodies of the injured. He says, "Dr. Abu Sitta told us that he and another doctor would stand by each injured person, with roles distributed: Abu Sitta would pull out the shrapnel while the other doctor quickly immersed it in water to extinguish it and prevent it from reigniting... This is where its extreme danger comes from."
Similarly, the regional director of the Lebanese Civil Defense, Ali Safi Al-Din, told Amnesty International about transporting the injured to the hospital on October 16 and the subsequent evacuation of the Lebanese town of Al-Dhahira. He described "bombs producing a very unpleasant odor, causing suffocation just by inhaling them."
Dr. Sakina Zaytoun, a lecturer in environmental toxicology at the Lebanese University, adds that the health impact is not limited to immediate skin damage, respiratory disorders, digestive system irritations, bone deformities, and eye irritation. There are also long-term health effects. White phosphorus is a lipid-soluble substance, which allows it to easily penetrate and reach the liver, kidneys, and even the heart if it enters the body, potentially causing organ failure and sometimes death.
Additionally, consuming animals exposed to white phosphorus and accumulating it in their fatty tissues poses a health risk to humans.
The health effects of white phosphorus are severe. When exposed to it, white phosphorus can cause deep burns that reach the bone, are difficult to treat, and often result in severe scarring or disfigurement. Inhalation can also lead to serious respiratory problems.
In this context, Professor Fouad Bazzi, a chemist and journalist for Al-Akhbar newspaper, recounts a story told by Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta about treating and extracting phosphorus shrapnel from the bodies of the injured. He says, "Dr. Abu Sitta told us that he and another doctor would stand by each injured person, with roles distributed: Abu Sitta would pull out the shrapnel while the other doctor quickly immersed it in water to extinguish it and prevent it from reigniting... This is where its extreme danger comes from."
Similarly, the regional director of the Lebanese Civil Defense, Ali Safi Al-Din, told Amnesty International about transporting the injured to the hospital on October 16 and the subsequent evacuation of the Lebanese town of Al-Dhahira. He described "bombs producing a very unpleasant odor, causing suffocation just by inhaling them."
Dr. Sakina Zaytoun, a lecturer in environmental toxicology at the Lebanese University, adds that the health impact is not limited to immediate skin damage, respiratory disorders, digestive system irritations, bone deformities, and eye irritation. There are also long-term health effects. White phosphorus is a lipid-soluble substance, which allows it to easily penetrate and reach the liver, kidneys, and even the heart if it enters the body, potentially causing organ failure and sometimes death.
Additionally, consuming animals exposed to white phosphorus and accumulating it in their fatty tissues poses a health risk to humans.
The health effects of white phosphorus are severe. When exposed to it, white phosphorus can cause deep burns that reach the bone, are difficult to treat, and often result in severe scarring or disfigurement. Inhalation can also lead to serious respiratory problems.
In this context, Professor Fouad Bazzi, a chemist and journalist for Al-Akhbar newspaper, recounts a story told by Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta about treating and extracting phosphorus shrapnel from the bodies of the injured. He says, "Dr. Abu Sitta told us that he and another doctor would stand by each injured person, with roles distributed: Abu Sitta would pull out the shrapnel while the other doctor quickly immersed it in water to extinguish it and prevent it from reigniting... This is where its extreme danger comes from."
Similarly, the regional director of the Lebanese Civil Defense, Ali Safi Al-Din, told Amnesty International about transporting the injured to the hospital on October 16 and the subsequent evacuation of the Lebanese town of Al-Dhahira. He described "bombs producing a very unpleasant odor, causing suffocation just by inhaling them."
Dr. Sakina Zaytoun, a lecturer in environmental toxicology at the Lebanese University, adds that the health impact is not limited to immediate skin damage, respiratory disorders, digestive system irritations, bone deformities, and eye irritation. There are also long-term health effects. White phosphorus is a lipid-soluble substance, which allows it to easily penetrate and reach the liver, kidneys, and even the heart if it enters the body, potentially causing organ failure and sometimes death.
Additionally, consuming animals exposed to white phosphorus and accumulating it in their fatty tissues poses a health risk to humans.
The health effects of white phosphorus are severe. When exposed to it, white phosphorus can cause deep burns that reach the bone, are difficult to treat, and often result in severe scarring or disfigurement. Inhalation can also lead to serious respiratory problems.
In this context, Professor Fouad Bazzi, a chemist and journalist for Al-Akhbar newspaper, recounts a story told by Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta about treating and extracting phosphorus shrapnel from the bodies of the injured. He says, "Dr. Abu Sitta told us that he and another doctor would stand by each injured person, with roles distributed: Abu Sitta would pull out the shrapnel while the other doctor quickly immersed it in water to extinguish it and prevent it from reigniting... This is where its extreme danger comes from."
Similarly, the regional director of the Lebanese Civil Defense, Ali Safi Al-Din, told Amnesty International about transporting the injured to the hospital on October 16 and the subsequent evacuation of the Lebanese town of Al-Dhahira. He described "bombs producing a very unpleasant odor, causing suffocation just by inhaling them."
Dr. Sakina Zaytoun, a lecturer in environmental toxicology at the Lebanese University, adds that the health impact is not limited to immediate skin damage, respiratory disorders, digestive system irritations, bone deformities, and eye irritation. There are also long-term health effects. White phosphorus is a lipid-soluble substance, which allows it to easily penetrate and reach the liver, kidneys, and even the heart if it enters the body, potentially causing organ failure and sometimes death.
Additionally, consuming animals exposed to white phosphorus and accumulating it in their fatty tissues poses a health risk to humans.
Health Impact
The environmental damage caused by exposure to white phosphorus can be divided into two categories: immediate and long-term. These damages affect various elements: vegetation, air, soil, and water.
The environmental damage caused by exposure to white phosphorus can be divided into two categories: immediate and long-term. These damages affect various elements: vegetation, air, soil, and water.
The environmental damage caused by exposure to white phosphorus can be divided into two categories: immediate and long-term. These damages affect various elements: vegetation, air, soil, and water.
Environmental Impact
Water
White phosphorus oxidizes to form phosphorus pentoxide. When this compound is exposed to water vapor, it transforms into phosphoric acid. This acid increases the acidity of both soil and water, similar to acid rain, thereby impacting the aquatic ecosystem.
Vegetation
Fires caused by white phosphorus lead to the loss of long-lived trees, which are difficult to replace. The remaining vegetation will have reduced productivity in the coming years, and many animals will lose their habitats.
Soil
White phosphorus enriches the soil with phosphorus at the expense of other nutrients, disrupting their balance and affecting the microorganisms in the soil. When it leaches into groundwater, ponds, and rivers, it acts as a fertilizer for algae, accelerating their growth and increasing their population. This rapid growth can disturb aquatic life by contributing to a phenomenon called eutrophication, leading to oxygen depletion and the suffocation of aquatic organisms.
Air
White phosphorus can exist in water with low oxygen levels. In such cases, it degrades into a highly toxic compound called phosphine, which evaporates into the air and then converts into less harmful chemicals.
Long-Term Effects
White phosphorus lowers the soil pH (increasing acidity), which affects nutrient availability. This, in turn, impacts not only plants but also soil microorganisms such as decomposers and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
The use of white phosphorus causes fires in homes, vehicles, and agricultural lands, leading to substantial financial losses. Farmers lose their lands, livelihoods, and crops, in addition to needing to restore the land before it can be cultivated again.
The use of white phosphorus causes fires in homes, vehicles, and agricultural lands, leading to substantial financial losses. Farmers lose their lands, livelihoods, and crops, in addition to needing to restore the land before it can be cultivated again.
The use of white phosphorus causes fires in homes, vehicles, and agricultural lands, leading to substantial financial losses. Farmers lose their lands, livelihoods, and crops, in addition to needing to restore the land before it can be cultivated again.
Economic Empact
Residents of these villages are forced to flee their homes, disrupting their work and education.
Residents of these villages are forced to flee their homes, disrupting their work and education.
Residents of these villages are forced to flee their homes, disrupting their work and education.
Social Impact
A map showing the areas affected by white phosphorus in 2023, according to maps from Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Sunar News platform of the CNRS.
A map showing the areas affected by white phosphorus in 2023, according to maps from Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Sunar News platform of the CNRS.
A map showing the areas affected by white phosphorus in 2023, according to maps from Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Sunar News platform of the CNRS.
Possible Measures to Address and Reduce the Long-Term Effects of White Phosphorus in the Environment After War
Possible Measures to Address and Reduce the Long-Term Effects of White Phosphorus in the Environment After War
Possible Measures to Address and Reduce the Long-Term Effects of White Phosphorus in the Environment After War
Possible Measures to Address and Reduce the Long-Term Effects of White Phosphorus in the Environment After War
Collaborative Efforts
Coordination between government, civil society, and environmental organizations is crucial.
Reforestation
Replant areas that have lost vegetation.
Sharing Global Expertise
Utilize international experiences and expertise in environmental restoration.
Removal of Buried Phosphorus Residues
Treat them as potentially flammable mines that can ignite upon exposure to air.
Water Cleaning and pH Adjustment
Purify contaminated water and adjust pH levels to restore the ecosystem.
Soil Rehabilitation
Restore soil quality through appropriate treatments.
Financial Compensation
International support for funding research and environmental rehabilitation projects by universities and relevant ministries.
Dr. Zaytoun believes that while restoring affected areas to their natural state is possible, it will require a long time. The long-term damages from white phosphorus are not yet fully understood due to difficulties accessing the affected areas and obtaining samples for necessary studies, making it a delayed project until after the war ends.
Dr. Zaytoun believes that while restoring affected areas to their natural state is possible, it will require a long time. The long-term damages from white phosphorus are not yet fully understood due to difficulties accessing the affected areas and obtaining samples for necessary studies, making it a delayed project until after the war ends.
Documenting events and crimes: Journalists play an important role in documenting crimes and violations, whether against individuals or the environment. By accurately recording and reporting events, they provide evidence that supports awareness campaigns and international pressure. In this context, Professor Sally Abu Al-Joud (a scientific writer for L'Orient-Le Jour newspaper who has written on this topic) believes: "Lebanon unanimously agrees that Israel is an enemy. Abu Al-Joud sees that through our media coverage and documentation of the crimes committed against our people in the south and against the environment, we condemn them with evidence. This way, the Western community cannot deny it as well. Communication here is through evidence, and the documentation speaks for itself without inserting personal opinions. This is how international law is corrected to reach a complete ban on the use of white phosphorus."
Highlighting humanitarian and environmental issues: Journalists help shed light on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of the illegal use of white phosphorus. This raises public awareness and encourages international action to limit its use.
Discussing legal and ethical issues: Journalists highlight the legal and ethical issues related to the military use of white phosphorus. This contributes to public discussion on the compliance of such weapon use with international laws and human values.
Avoiding excessive neutrality: Journalists strive to avoid the trap of excessive neutrality, maintaining clarity and honesty in presenting events. This helps prevent the sanitization of language or justification of actions that may be unlawful or harmful to the environment. Professor Fouad Bazzi emphasizes that as journalists, we must avoid the trap of "excessive scientific neutrality" so that the borders on the map remain the borders of "Occupied Palestine" and not "Israel," and that their army remains the "enemy army" and not the "Israeli Defense Forces."
Documenting events and crimes: Journalists play an important role in documenting crimes and violations, whether against individuals or the environment. By accurately recording and reporting events, they provide evidence that supports awareness campaigns and international pressure. In this context, Professor Sally Abu Al-Joud (a scientific writer for L'Orient-Le Jour newspaper who has written on this topic) believes: "Lebanon unanimously agrees that Israel is an enemy. Abu Al-Joud sees that through our media coverage and documentation of the crimes committed against our people in the south and against the environment, we condemn them with evidence. This way, the Western community cannot deny it as well. Communication here is through evidence, and the documentation speaks for itself without inserting personal opinions. This is how international law is corrected to reach a complete ban on the use of white phosphorus."
Highlighting humanitarian and environmental issues: Journalists help shed light on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of the illegal use of white phosphorus. This raises public awareness and encourages international action to limit its use.
Discussing legal and ethical issues: Journalists highlight the legal and ethical issues related to the military use of white phosphorus. This contributes to public discussion on the compliance of such weapon use with international laws and human values.
Avoiding excessive neutrality: Journalists strive to avoid the trap of excessive neutrality, maintaining clarity and honesty in presenting events. This helps prevent the sanitization of language or justification of actions that may be unlawful or harmful to the environment. Professor Fouad Bazzi emphasizes that as journalists, we must avoid the trap of "excessive scientific neutrality" so that the borders on the map remain the borders of "Occupied Palestine" and not "Israel," and that their army remains the "enemy army" and not the "Israeli Defense Forces."
Documenting events and crimes: Journalists play an important role in documenting crimes and violations, whether against individuals or the environment. By accurately recording and reporting events, they provide evidence that supports awareness campaigns and international pressure. In this context, Professor Sally Abu Al-Joud (a scientific writer for L'Orient-Le Jour newspaper who has written on this topic) believes: "Lebanon unanimously agrees that Israel is an enemy. Abu Al-Joud sees that through our media coverage and documentation of the crimes committed against our people in the south and against the environment, we condemn them with evidence. This way, the Western community cannot deny it as well. Communication here is through evidence, and the documentation speaks for itself without inserting personal opinions. This is how international law is corrected to reach a complete ban on the use of white phosphorus."
Highlighting humanitarian and environmental issues: Journalists help shed light on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of the illegal use of white phosphorus. This raises public awareness and encourages international action to limit its use.
Discussing legal and ethical issues: Journalists highlight the legal and ethical issues related to the military use of white phosphorus. This contributes to public discussion on the compliance of such weapon use with international laws and human values.
Avoiding excessive neutrality: Journalists strive to avoid the trap of excessive neutrality, maintaining clarity and honesty in presenting events. This helps prevent the sanitization of language or justification of actions that may be unlawful or harmful to the environment. Professor Fouad Bazzi emphasizes that as journalists, we must avoid the trap of "excessive scientific neutrality" so that the borders on the map remain the borders of "Occupied Palestine" and not "Israel," and that their army remains the "enemy army" and not the "Israeli Defense Forces."
Documenting events and crimes: Journalists play an important role in documenting crimes and violations, whether against individuals or the environment. By accurately recording and reporting events, they provide evidence that supports awareness campaigns and international pressure. In this context, Professor Sally Abu Al-Joud (a scientific writer for L'Orient-Le Jour newspaper who has written on this topic) believes: "Lebanon unanimously agrees that Israel is an enemy. Abu Al-Joud sees that through our media coverage and documentation of the crimes committed against our people in the south and against the environment, we condemn them with evidence. This way, the Western community cannot deny it as well. Communication here is through evidence, and the documentation speaks for itself without inserting personal opinions. This is how international law is corrected to reach a complete ban on the use of white phosphorus."
Highlighting humanitarian and environmental issues: Journalists help shed light on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of the illegal use of white phosphorus. This raises public awareness and encourages international action to limit its use.
Discussing legal and ethical issues: Journalists highlight the legal and ethical issues related to the military use of white phosphorus. This contributes to public discussion on the compliance of such weapon use with international laws and human values.
Avoiding excessive neutrality: Journalists strive to avoid the trap of excessive neutrality, maintaining clarity and honesty in presenting events. This helps prevent the sanitization of language or justification of actions that may be unlawful or harmful to the environment. Professor Fouad Bazzi emphasizes that as journalists, we must avoid the trap of "excessive scientific neutrality" so that the borders on the map remain the borders of "Occupied Palestine" and not "Israel," and that their army remains the "enemy army" and not the "Israeli Defense Forces."
