Israel accused of use of proscribed munitions in Gaza

The human rights organization Human Rights Watch said that Israel uses in the course of the anti-terrorist operation "Cast lead" in the Gaza Strip, the so-called phosphorus munitions - "white phosphorous." The Israeli army refused to comment on this information, stressing only that the IDF only uses weapons permitted under international law, said NEWSru Israel.

"White phosphorus is applied to create a smokescreen, as a means of targeting and how the signal mechanism. In addition, phosphorus munitions can be used as an incendiary bomb. In accordance with international agreements, "white phosphorus" is not considered a chemical weapon.

"White phosphorus is very fuel, and it is difficult to extinguish. In accordance with the Protocol to the Geneva Convention of 1983 on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of view Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects "the use of phosphorous munitions against civilians and military targets in populated areas is prohibited. Israel and the U.S. are not included in the number of signatures and ratifications of the protocol.

In 2006, Israel has acknowledged the use of phosphorous munitions during the Second Lebanon War.

Last night the Israeli Air Force continued to strike on the Gaza Strip, according to the official message IDF, striking 35 targets.

Palestinian terrorists did not stop rocket fire at Israeli towns. Islamic Jihad said that the militants managed to seize Israeli weapons in the Gaza Strip, illustrate this statement missile launchers with inscriptions in Hebrew.

The Israeli army is preparing for the third phase of the operation in the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli intelligence, the operation had been destroyed at least 300 activists of the terrorist organization Hamas, for the most part, they were engaged in the production of missiles and shelling of Israeli territory.

According to Palestinian figures, during the operation killed some 850 Palestinians (most of them militants but also killed hundreds of civilians), injuring over 3500. On the part of Israel - 13 killed (three civilians and ten soldiers) and around 130 wounded.