Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel on Thursday of using white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, dpa and EFE reported.

HRW says it has reviewed videos taken on Tuesday and Wednesday showing “multiple white phosphorus explosions in the air launched by artillery at the port of Gaza City and two rural areas on the border between Israel and Lebanon,” Agerpres said.

The organization adds that it has also spoken with witnesses.

The use of white phosphorus in Gaza, one of the world’s most densely populated areas, increases the risks to civilians and violates a prohibition established by international humanitarian law by exposing civilians to unnecessary risks, HRW said in a statement.

“The use of white phosphorus in crowded civilian areas poses a high risk of excruciating burns and lifelong suffering,” said Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East and North Africa director.

White phosphorus ignites when exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere and can generate light, smoke and intense heat of around 815 degrees Celsius, explains dpa.

“In order to avoid civilian casualties, Israel must stop using white phosphorus in populated areas. The parties to the conflict must do everything possible to limit the suffering of the civilian population,” the HRW representative emphasized.

Israeli authorities have not commented on whether white phosphorus was used in the current clashes.

A highly toxic chemical agent, when in contact with the skin, white phosphorus causes burns that reach the bones, burning as long as it comes into contact with oxygen.

Its use on humans has been banned by the Geneva Convention since 1997.