from The New Nation
Israel's use of white phosphorus-banned under international law for use near civilians-during the Gaza offensive was "clear and undeniable," Amnesty International said on Monday.
"Amnesty International delegates visiting the Gaza Strip found indisputable evidence of widespread use of white phosphorus in densely-populated residential areas in Gaza City and in the north," the rights group said in a statement.
"We saw streets and alleyways littered with evidence of the use of white phosphorus, including still burning wedges and the remnants of the shells and canisters fired by the Israeli army," said Christopher Cobb-Smith, a weapons expert touring Gaza as part of a four-person fact-finding team.
Human rights groups and medics in Gaza reported having treated dozens of people suffering burns caused by white phosphorus during Israel's 22-day offensive against the Hamas-ruled territory that killed more than 1,300 people.
Under international law, white phosphorus is banned for use near civilians, but is permitted for creating a smokescreen.
Israel has insisted that all weapons being used in its Gaza war were within the bounds of international law.
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