What exactly is white phosphorus and why is it controversial?

What exactly is white phosphorus and why is it controversial? Submitted by Daniel Tester on Sat, 05/02/2026 - 14:10 Israel has used the deadly munition extensively in Lebanon and Gaza amid condemnation from human rights monitors An explosion of what appears to be white phosphorus during an Israeli army attack in south Lebanon on 30 April 2026 (Reuters) On Israel has been accused this week of again using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon , firing shells near towns and villages. Human rights monitors say such operations constitute indiscriminate attacks that violate international humanitarian law.