The Israeli army said it has launched an internal investigation into allegations about its use of white phosphorus weapons during its offensive in the Gaza Strip. White phosphorus is an incendiary agent used to illuminate targets or create smoke screens. International law does not allow its use in battle.
U.N. officials and human rights groups have alleged Israel used it in the 22-day Gaza campaign. Amnesty International has called Israel's firing of white phosphorus shells in densely populated residential areas of Gaza a war crime.
One of the places most seriously affected by the use of white phosphorus was the main UN compound in Gaza City, which was hit by three shells on 15 January. The same munition was used in a strike on the al-Quds hospital in Gaza City the same day.
According to the AP, Israel has not publicly acknowledged using white phosphorus. But in response to the claims, the military said in a statement Wednesday that an "investigative team has been established ... to look into this issue."
However, Haaretz newspaper reported on Wednesday that according to army sources the white phosphorus was used by a reserve paratroop brigade. According to the sources, the brigade fired up to 20 phosphorus shells into Gaza.
During the 2006 war in Lebanon the the Lebanese Ministry of the Interior confirmed Israel used the same type of weapons.
