[Jerusalem Post] Gerald M. Steinberg - Human Rights Watch initiated a campaign alleging that the IDF was using white phosphorus weapons unlawfully in the conflict in Gaza with Hamas. Two days later, the International Committee of the Red Cross issued a statement: "Using phosphorus to illuminate a target or create smoke is legitimate under international law," adding that there was no evidence that Israel was "using phosphorus in a questionable way, such as burning down buildings or consciously putting civilians at risk." Phosphorus flares assist search and rescue forces in saving the lives of wounded soldiers and preventing Hamas from snatching the bodies of dead soldiers.
2009-01-19 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive