Israel is investigating the use of prohibited white phosphorus in the gas sector

The Israeli army is investigating reports on the illegal use of phosphorus ammunition during the three -week operation "Little Lead" in the gas sector directed against Palestinian militants, BBC British corporation reports.

Earlier, human rights groups and the media reported that the Israeli army used artillery shells when shelling of Gaza, which included white phosphorus. International law prohibits the use of this substance against civilians, but allows you to put a smoke curtain with its help.

- Proof of the use of white phosphorus (video)
- Israel could use shells with depleted uranium

White phosphorus sticks to the skin of a person, burning it with meat to the very bone. The victims often die from the burns received, and survivors are required for recovery for a long time. The hit of phosphorus inside the body or inhalation of its vapors can also lead to death.

According to the UN, the organization’s buildings in gas were fired at least three times with shells containing phosphorus. As a result, an immediate fire occurred, and the subsequent fire destroyed a significant part of the UN humanitarian aid reserves.

The Israeli army claims that it used only the types of weapons permitted to use. However, the Israeli military has not yet provided information about what specific weapons were used.

Recall that on Wednesday, the Israeli military announced the complete withdrawal of troops from the Gaza sector. According to Newsru Israel , 13 people (10 military and three civilians) were killed during the hostilities from the Israeli side, 200 people were injured. Losses of Palestinians are much higher: 1.3 thousand dead and approximately 5.4 thousand wounded. A significant part of the victims was civilian.

Israeli military could use ammunition with depleted uranium

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), meanwhile, is investigating the statements of representatives of the Arab states that Israel in the gas sector used weapons with depleted uranium.

Doned uranium due to high density increases the penetration ability of shells. However, during the explosion of such ammunition, uranium dust forms, which can enter the body of people, into water and food. As some experts indicate, the depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural, but it is very toxic and poses a serious threat to human health.

The representative of the IAEA Melissa Fleming said that the issue of the use of impoverished uranium in the gas sector will be carefully studied. The organization will decide on further actions after consultations with member states. The Israeli representative in the Magate refused to comment.

International law does not prohibit the use of impoverished uranium in weapons, and Israel states that all types of ammunition he used complies with the laws.