Lebanon accuses Israel of using “internationally prohibited weapons against civilians”

Phosphorus incendiary bombs and vacuum bombs

By Global Research
Global Research, July 24, 2006
The Jurist 24 July 2006
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Lebanon claims Israel using banned weapons against civilians
Jaime Jansen at 8:44 AM ET

[JURIST] Israel is using “internationally prohibited weapons against civilians” in Lebanon as the country faces “real annihilation,” according to a statement from Lebanon Information Minister Ghazi Aridi Sunday after an emergency cabinet meeting. Lebanese media reports state that Israel used phosphorus incendiary bombs and vacuum bombs [GlobalSecurity backgrounders] that suck up air and facilitate building collapses. The use of incendiary weapons against civilians has been banned by Protocol III to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons [text] since 1980. Lebanon’s accusations come amid increasing violence [Bloomberg report; BBC Q&A] between Israel over the weekend and Hezbollah militants [BBC backgrounder] based in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora [BBC profile] said in a separate address to the Lebanese people [text] Sunday that Israel’s actions “violated Lebanon’s sovereignty and its citizens’ rights and dignity.” Siniora also said that “Israel is imposing a collective punishment that does not have any moral or legal legitimacy.” AP has more.

 
These bombs have been used against civilians in Iraq.

A Note on White Phosphorous bombs (Wikipedia)

“White phosphorus is a common allotrope of the chemical element phosphorus which has found extensive military application as an incendiary agent [1], smoke-screening agent, and as an antipersonnel flame compound capable of causing serious burns[2]. It is used in bombs called phosphorus bombs, which burst into flames upon impact. White phosphorus has been called a chemical weapon by many people and organizations, including members of the United Nations. It is commonly referred to in military jargon as “WP”. The Vietnam War era slang “Willy(ie) Pete” or “Willy(ie) Peter” is still occasionally heard.

Phosphorus bombs are incendiary bombs and have been likened to napalm, although there are key differences.”

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