Rights groups link Israeli white phosphorus to strike near Nabatieh

Human rights groups and The New York Times have documented what they say was Israeli use of white phosphorus over civilian areas in Lebanon, including the town of Nabatieh on May 30. The substance ignites on contact with oxygen and can cause severe burns, respiratory damage and death. White phosphorus is not banned outright under international law and can be used for smoke screens or to mark targets, but its use in or near populated areas is prohibited because of the risk to civilians. Israel denies using it unlawfully. The allegations surfaced as fighting with Hezbollah continued despite a ceasefire agreed on Wednesday by Israel and Lebanon that Hezbollah rejected.