Legal Framework

Geneva Conventions — Additional Protocol I, Article 51

Establishes the fundamental rule of civilian protection and prohibits indiscriminate attacks, including those not directed at specific military objectives and those using methods incapable of distinguishing between military and civilian targets.

Related incidents

1 incident

US-Supplied White Phosphorus Used Over Lebanese Civilian Areas

Israel deployed US-supplied white phosphorus over Lebanese civilian areas in 191 attacks across 17+ municipalities since October 2023, continuing through March 2026. HRW verified the attacks as …

  • Over 918 hectares hit across 191 white phosphorus attacks in southern Lebanon since October 2023, with 39% striking directly over civilian …
  • HRW verified the March 3, 2026 use of airburst white phosphorus over residential homes in Yohmor, classifying it as unlawfully …