The Lebanese government has lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, alleging that the Israeli armed forces have been shelling border areas with the use of phosphorus ammunition. Acting Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib made the announcement in a social media post (formerly known as Twitter), as reported by TASS.
Bou Habib wrote, “We have demanded that the UN Security Council condemn the Israeli side for using white phosphorus shells during the ongoing attacks on Lebanese territory.” He also noted that the human rights organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW), has already drawn attention to the use of prohibited phosphorus ammunition, as stated in international conventions.
Bou Habib emphasized that the Lebanese authorities are struggling with forest fires that are spreading over larger areas.
According to the national agency Al Wataniya, the Israeli armed forces once again used phosphorus shells on October 31 during the shelling of the surrounding areas of the towns of Yarun, Ed-Dukheira, Alma-esh-Shaab, and El-Labbuna. As a result, fires broke out in olive groves and gardens.
Reports of severe forest fires have also been received from the areas of Wadi Honein and Sheikh Zayn. There is no information about any casualties among civilians.
Tensions in the region escalated after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Israel responded with powerful bombardments of the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah supported Hamas, resulting in an increase in incidents of rocket attacks on the south of Lebanon from both sides. Amnesty International, in its investigation, confirmed the use of white phosphorus projectiles by Israel during attacks on the south of Lebanon from October 10 to 16.
Earlier, Italy assessed the likelihood of a Hezbollah invasion of Israel.
