Show Notes
White phosphorus has been used on battlefields for more than a century, but its deployment over populated areas continues to spark fierce legal and ethical debate.
Bianca Nobilo examines the growing scrutiny surrounding Israel's use of white phosphorus in Lebanon, where human rights groups have raised concerns about the impact on civilians. Capable of burning at extreme temperatures and causing severe injuries, the substance occupies a controversial legal grey area because it is often classified as a smoke-screening munition rather than a chemical weapon.
From its origins in the 17th century to its use in modern conflicts, the history of white phosphorus reveals why it remains one of warfare's most controversial weapons. As concerns mount over its use in civilian areas, questions continue to be asked about whether military necessity can ever justify the risks it poses.
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