Once again, Israel bombs populated Lebanese villages with prohibited white phosphorus

TEHRAN — Israeli forces launched an extensive wave of artillery shelling and airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight into Saturday, saturating several residential neighborhoods with banned white phosphorus munitions.

Lebanese media outlets reported severe destruction across southern border towns, including Mansouri, Majdal Zoun, and Bayt al-Sayyad. In Bayt al-Sayyad, heavy artillery strikes damaged virtually every residential property.

Israeli warplanes also carried out two air raids against the Ali al-Taher hill on the northern outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while reconnaissance drones maintained continuous flights over the central and western sectors.

White phosphorus and systematic destruction

Israeli units fired phosphorus rounds targeting the outskirts of Dawhat Kfar Remman, the area around Dabsha hill, and the wooded zones near Ali al-Taher.

White phosphorus is an incendiary chemical compound that ignites instantly when exposed to oxygen. It produces temperatures exceeding 760 degrees Celsius, causing excruciating second- and third-degree burns deep into human bone.

Inhaling its toxic vapor inflicts severe respiratory trauma and asphyxiation. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits airburst white phosphorus over inhabited areas due to its inherently indiscriminate impact.

Rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly verified Israel’s deployment of white phosphorus over populated Lebanese border villages such as Kafr Kila, Mays al-Jabal, Boustane, Markaba, and Aita al-Chaab, as well as densely populated districts in Gaza.

The Israeli military has also continued waging aggressive Ground operations in south Lebanon. Infantry units advanced from Biyada toward Buyut al-Sayyid and al-Mansouri, sweeping surrounding valleys with sustained machine-gun fire.

In Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Israeli forces deliberately burned residential homes belonging to displaced Lebanese citizens, established a new military checkpoint, and systematically destroyed local farmland and olive trees.

Further artillery bombardment struck the territory situated between Beit Yahoun and Baraachit, while powerful explosions shook the towns of Kounine, Hadatha, and Aita al-Jabal.

Targeting press crews and U.S. protection

These military actions occur alongside systematic efforts to eliminate witnesses documenting the destruction.

In Beirut, media professionals and bereaved families convened at the Lebanese National Theater on Friday for a memorial titled “Martyrs of the Word and Image” to honor eleven reporters martyred by Israeli strikes.

Spokespersons for the families announced they are collecting forensic files and field testimonies to submit to the International Criminal Court, aiming to prosecute Israeli officials for premeditated attacks on press crews.

Lebanon’s UN representative Caroline Ziadeh previously documented that 28 Lebanese media workers have been killed since October 2023.

This ongoing campaign against Lebanese sovereignty operates with the full backing of the United States.

Washington continues to provide the Israeli military with heavy munitions, technical intelligence, and unconditional diplomatic cover.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Tehran Times. Open at source →