Israel intensifies military operations and demolitions in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has intensified its operations in southern Lebanon, conducting heavy aerial bombardments and demolition activities across several districts, including Tyre, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun. Reports indicate that Israeli aircraft and artillery have targeted residential areas and infrastructure, with some buildings being completely destroyed. In addition to airstrikes, Israeli forces have carried out demolition operations in towns such as Al-Mansouri and Khiam, causing significant structural damage and shockwaves felt in surrounding areas.

Parallel to these military actions, Human Rights Watch and the Harvard Law School International Human Rights Clinic have documented the use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon. The report, titled ‘Out of Control: The Inhuman Effects of White Phosphorus Munitions and the Need for Stricter Legislation’, verified 23 incidents of white phosphorus use between March and May.

Experts warn that these munitions cause permanent physical, psychological, and social harm. Because white phosphorus is not currently regulated by a specific international treaty, human rights organizations are calling for new international laws and urging the United Nations General Assembly to address the issue during its upcoming disarmament meeting in October.