Israel uses phosphorus shells as smokescreen for troops

ISRAELI forces are using white phosphorus shells which can cause horrific burns, it was claimed today.

The weapon, seen above over the northern Gaza strip,provides cover to advancing ground troops by creating a huge smokescreen, shielding soldiers from incoming fire. Phosphorous shells can also illuminate large areas when used at night. It is highly flammable and ignites on contact with oxygen. If it hits someone's body, it will burn until deprived of oxygen.

Under the Geneva Treaty of 1980, white phosphorous is banned as a weapon of war in civilian areas because of the severe injuries it causes. But there is no blanket ban under international law and white phosphorous can be used legitimately as a smokescreen. However, its alleged deployment in Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated territories, will cause concern. Indications that white phosphorous is being used in Gaza follow the sighting of thick white smoke in the sky above the Palestinian territory.

The Times claimed today its "tell-tale" smoke trail was evidence of its deployment. But the Israeli military denied the allegation. "Israel uses munitions that are allowed for under international law," said Captain Ishai David, spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces. However, during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, Tel Aviv stated that it had used phosphorous shells "against military targets in open ground" in south Lebanon.

British and the US also used the weapon in Iraq. So-called "shake and bake" - a mixture of white phosphorous and high explosive - was used in Fallujah in 2004.

Although there was some initial reluctance by the American military to admit deploying the substance, a US Department of State website later said white phosphorous shells "were used in Fallujah not for illumination but for screening purposes, i.e. obscuring troop movements".