Gaza's burn victims add to pressure on army over phosphorus

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"Pressure grew on Israel to end the use of controversial white phosphorus yesterday as The Times saw more evidence of its deployment around civilian populations in Gaza.

More than 50 people with burns were taken into Nasser Hospital in the southern town of Khan Yunis, in what the hospital director, Youssef Abu Al-Reesh, said was a massive case of exposure to white phosphorus.

“We don’t have the medical experience to judge these cases, but we searched the internet according to the cases we have, and it indeed confirmed that it’s white phosphorus munitions. I have been working in this hospital for ten years and I have never seen anything like this.”

The 1980 Geneva treaty says that white phosphorus should not be used as a weapon of war in civilian areas, but there is no blanket ban on its use as a smokescreen or for illumination. It produces a thick white smoke when exposed to oxygen, but can cause severe burns and melt flesh to the bone if it comes into contact with skin.

The sudden influx of burns patients at Nasser Hospital coincided with Israel’s expanded ground offensive, which included the Al-Qarara and Kuza’a suburbs of Khan Yunis.

Muhammad Tahseen, 20, said that he was sitting outside his home in Al-Qarara when a shell exploded above. He described watching his two cousins writhe in pain as he stood metres away, unable to help. "There was an explosion and white smoke. I saw my cousins screaming . . . I saw them burning and their clothes burning. I saw their skin melting."

more

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Scurrilous]

2. 1 dead, dozens injured in Gaza by suspected white phosphorus munitions

Doctors treating the wounded say the shelling apparently contained the intensely burning, toxic munition. Villagers say the firing came from the Israeli border.

<snip>

"Reporting from Jerusalem and Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip -- Palestinian villagers said the shelling came from the direction of the Israeli border, less than a mile away, scattering flaming objects in their midst and burning down 20 homes and the local United Nations-run school.

"One landed in my kitchen and caused a fire," said Zohair Mohammed abu Rejila, 35. "I went to put it out, but another one landed on Mayar, my baby daughter. It was like a block of fire, a piece of plastic on fire. When I knocked it off her, it exploded and out came this heavy white smoke with a very bad smell."

Doctors who treated Abu Rejila, his family and dozens of neighbors in southern Gaza said they were apparent victims of white phosphorus fired from Israeli artillery. One woman was killed.

They were the first suspected casualties of the munitions, which armies use as smoke screens for their movements or as incendiary devices, during Israel's 16-day-old assault on Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip."

more

[Behind the Aegis]

3. "suspected."

I guess that is all that is needed in the "world's court" and those true-blue "pro"-Palestinians.

[parkia00]

4. And by your own comment...

are you too not guilty of the same in "your court" and those true-blue "pro"-Israelis by simply brushing away any news or points made that might paint your side in a negative picture? Lots of blind spiteful people on both sides do way too much of it. Lowering oneself to that level is something one should avoid if they do not want to become one of them.

[azurnoir]

5. Oh no not at all

why he's a patriot just promoting the "made in america" label:sarcasm:

[Behind the Aegis]

9. Not brushing aside, pointing out fact. Something *your* side doesn't like.

These are similar to the charges made during the Lebanon War. Was it ever proved true? The fact is anything which paints Israel as "guilty" is automatically taken to be true by those like you.

[EFerrari]

13. Yes, Israel admitted to using phosphorus shells in Lebanon.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15375119/

And as far as the use of phosphorus in Gaza, do you believe the Red Cross, Human Rights Watch and medical staff are all in a conspiracy and are lying?

[Behind the Aegis]

15. Did you understand the OP or the above sub-thread?

It would seem you do not.

It isn't about Israel using WP. It is about Israel using WP against civilians. Understand so far? The same charges were made against Israel during the Lebanon war. There was never any proof Israel used them against civilians.

"And as far as the use of phosphorus in Gaza, do you believe the Red Cross, Human Rights Watch and medical staff are all in a conspiracy and are lying?" Do you understand the word "suspected?"

[EFerrari]

16. Yes, it is about Israel using WP against civilians, that's correct.

:hi:

[Behind the Aegis]

18. So, you understand you got it wrong. Good to know!

:hi:

[EFerrari]

22. Israel: Stop Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza

Israel: Stop Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza
Chemical ‘Obscurant' Poses Serious Risk to Civilians
January 10, 2009

White phosphorous can burn down houses and cause horrific burns when it touches the skin. Israel should not use it in Gaza's densely populated areas.
Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst at Human Rights Watch


(Jerusalem, January 10, 2009) - Israel should stop using white phosphorus in military operations in densely populated areas of Gaza, Human Rights Watch said today. On January 9 and 10, 2009, Human Rights Watch researchers in Israel observed multiple air-bursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over what appeared to be the Gaza City/Jabaliya area.

Israel appeared to be using white phosphorus as an "obscurant" (a chemical used to hide military operations), a permissible use in principle under international humanitarian law (the laws of war). However, white phosphorus has a significant, incidental, incendiary effect that can severely burn people and set structures, fields, and other civilian objects in the vicinity on fire. The potential for harm to civilians is magnified by Gaza's high population density, among the highest in the world.

"White phosphorous can burn down houses and cause horrific burns when it touches the skin," said Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst at Human Rights Watch. "Israel should not use it in Gaza's densely populated areas."

Human Rights Watch believes that the use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas of Gaza violates the requirement under international humanitarian law to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian injury and loss of life. This concern is amplified given the technique evidenced in media photographs of air-bursting white phosphorus projectiles. Air bursting of white phosphorus artillery spreads 116 burning wafers over an area between 125 and 250 meters in diameter, depending on the altitude of the burst, thereby exposing more civilians and civilian infrastructure to potential harm than a localized ground burst.

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/01/10/israel-stop-unlawful-use-white-phosphorus-gaza-0

[Behind the Aegis]

23. Oh, so you didn't understand it. Aw shucks.

[EFerrari]

24. Burn patients

Burn patients

snip

An AP photographer and a TV crew based in Gaza visited Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday and recorded images of several burn patients.

One of them, Haitham Tahseen, recalled sitting outside his home with his family in the morning when something exploded above them.

"Suddenly, I saw bombs coming with white smoke," said the man, whose burned face was covered with medical cream. "It looked very red and it had white smoke. That's the first time I've seen such a thing."

His cousin, in another hospital bed, was more severely burned, with patches of skin peeling off his face and body, and had to be wrapped with thick white bandages.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28615688/

[Behind the Aegis]

25. And still, you don't get it.

It is as I said in my first post.

[EFerrari]

26. Israel says all weapons legal amid phosphorus claims

JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli army on Monday insisted that all weapons being used in its Gaza campaign were within the bounds of international law amid accusations it was using controversial white phosphorus shells.
ADVERTISEMENT

Asked whether the military was using white phosphorus, an army spokesman refused to confirm or deny the claim and insisted that everything being used was within the bounds of international law.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090112/world/mideast_conflict_gaza_israel_weapons_hrw_lead_1

[Behind the Aegis]

27. "claims "

[EFerrari]

28. Israel Using White Phosphorus On Lebanese Civilians

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld6cOJqyPqY&NR=1

Israeli army 'using white phosphorus' - 12 Jan 08

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKgph9PV3SA

Your "claims" may vary.

[Behind the Aegis]

29. "claims"

Learn it. While you are at it, look up "suspected" and "propaganda."

[EFerrari]

30. Denial.

Psychology. An unconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings.

-- American Heritage Dictionary

[Behind the Aegis]

31. I understand your issue.

Now, run along and look up those other words.

[EFerrari]

32. See above. n/t

[azurnoir]

35. Check out this thread there is something interesting there

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=124&topic_id=217592#

[cali]

17. what difference does it make to the burn victims

whether Israel is using it as a weapon or as a smoke screen? None. That's what difference it makes.

[Behind the Aegis]

21. And I said what about the burn victims?

Oh, that's right. NOTHING.

[iconicgnom]

6. I suppose you were "blinking" when the photos appeared on the screen.

[Behind the Aegis]

8. "Suspected." Learn the meaning.

[iconicgnom]

10. I suppose you were "blinking" when the photos appeared on the screen.

[Behind the Aegis]

11. I suppose you didn't get a dictionary.

[iconicgnom]

12. I suppose you were "blinking" when the photos appeared on the screen.

[Behind the Aegis]

14. I guess no dictionaries in your home...try this...

www.dictionary.com

[iconicgnom]

19. I suppose you were "blinking" when the photos appeared on the screen.

[azurnoir]

7. This is sickening horrific

how can anyone justify this?
This morning I read the article and looked at the pictures and the only thing I trusted my to do was make a snarky comment about another post, this time I did not reread but still my stomach churns just thinking about this, it is beyond comprehension how any human could do this to another and oops well we aren't using it as a weapon does not cover or excuse it in any way shape or form.

[ShadesOfGrey]

34. No, there is no excuse. The pictures and accounts are horrible.

From the article:
"It produces a thick white smoke when exposed to oxygen, but can cause severe burns and melt flesh to the bone if it comes into act with skin."

"He described watching his two cousins writhe in pain as he stood metres away, unable to help. “There was an explosion and white smoke. I saw my cousins screaming . . . I saw them burning and their clothes burning. I saw their skin melting.”

I've had some burns before and they were extremely painful but 'skin melting to the bone'??? My God! This is torture! :grr:

[High Plains]

20. Is that the pretty white sparkly stuff floating down from the Israeli bombs?

If it is, it's hard to say it's only "suspected."

[uppityperson]

33. Just because it looks and quacks like a duck, doesn't mean it's a duck.

It could be a mallard, or just a "suspected" duck, or a coot dressed up like a duck. Or maybe a little tiny pony that has been taught to waddle in a duck-like costume. I mean, really!
:sarcasm:

[Behind the Aegis]

37. Yes, because things are always what them seem.

Just ask Colin Powell and those WMD traveling labs. :eyes:

[Scurrilous]

36. Human Rights Watch: IDF phosphorous bombs in Gaza violate int'l law

<snip>

"U.S. rights group Human Rights Watch this week charged Israel with illegal use of white phosphorous bombs in urban areas.

International law allows such weapons to be used in battlefields as a smokescreen but the material is considered dangerous in residential areas due to the severe burns it inflicts, as well as its incendiary quality.

Based on his observations last week, HRW military analyst Mark Garlasco determined that the IDF is using the material, although the army has not confirmed its use."

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1054947.html

[bobd0]

38. Special: White Phosphorus and its use in Gaza

http://www.uruknet.info/?p=m50774&hd=&size=1&l=e

Special: White Phosphorus and its use in Gaza
Dr. Mazen Qumssiya - for the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem

Jan 13, 2009

White Phosphorus (P4) is a waxy fat soluble colorless or slightly yellow solid with a garlic smell that is not naturally occurring but is produced in the laboratory. It is highly reactive with oxygen (ignites spontaneously upon drying and exposure to air) producing compounds like P4O6 (phosphorus pentoxide) and P4O10 which upon contact with water becomes oxophosphoric acids (aslternatively direct reaction with water can lead to phosphoric acid HPO4 through some intermediate compounds)

These properties have give it both civilian and military uses. Its civilian uses include production of phosphoric acid and phosphate based fertilizers. It is used by the military because it interacts with oxygen producing fire and smoke and can act both as a smokescreen, marking enemy areas and also to terrorize enemy combatants to leave fox holes and tunnels into more open areas where standard ammunition can be used on them. White phosphorous is a member of a class of incendiary weapons that includes such things as napalm and thermites but also functions in producing smoke to confuse and destroy the ability of enemy troops to function. When used as an incendiary weapon it works directly against personnel producing severe physical and psychological impacts and also destroys equipment of targeted troops.

Military use and use in Iraq: According to GlobalSecurity.org (a national security information outlet in the US): "White Phosphorus (WP), known as Willy Pete, is used for signaling, screening, and incendiary purposes. White Phosphorus can be used to destroy the enemy's equipment or to limit his vision. It is used against vehicles, petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) and ammunition storage areas, and enemy observers. WP can be used as an aid in target location and navigation. It is usually dispersed by explosive munitions. It can be fired with fuze time to obtain an airburst. White phosphorus was used most often during World War II in military formulations for smoke screens, marker shells, incendiaries, hand grenades, smoke markers, colored flares, and tracer bullets." (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munition...p.htm)

The US used WP in its wars from Vietnam to Iraq and has defended such use as legitimate. Initially the US forces claimed that they used WP just 'to illuminate enemy positions at night, not at enemy fighters' but and sent mixed signals about whether it considers it an incendiary devise or not and whether insurgents are targeted by the devise or it is merely used as a spectacular light and smoke devise (http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2005/Novembe....html ).

Reports of usage in Gaza: The Los Angeles Times reported January 12 that 20 homes burnt, one women killed and several injured from the use of WP in Gaza writing:"One landed in my kitchen and caused a fire,' said Zohair Mohammed abu Rejila, 35. 'I went to put it out, but another one landed on Mayar, my baby daughter. It was like a block of fire, a piece of plastic on fire. When I knocked it off her, it exploded and out came this heavy white smoke with a very bad smell.' http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg...story

Al-Jazeera TV reported on its use for several days between December 29-January 9 and aired footage of several civilian victims of white phosphorus bombs showing characteristic burns. One teenage girl, Jamila Al-Habash, had both of her legs amputated and an interview with Dr. Raed Al-'Areeny from Al-Shaifa Hospital explained the need for amutation because of the WP adherence to and reaction with soft tissues penetrating even to the bones.

Footage released also show the characteristic images of shelling in neighborhoods with WP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVY4NUKowzg http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/01/20....html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq-b_40IKfs On January 12, 2009, Human Rights Watch issued a report demanding Israel stop using WP (http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/01/10/israel-stop-unlaw...-gaza)

[Scurrilous]

39. “We could hear their bodies burning”

<snip>

"Everything was on fire; houses, sheds, trees.

Bombs, too, were everywhere, and with them came the white clouds. White phosphorous, the doctors are now saying, but that's disputed in Israel.

But for sure it was a night of terror. We were terrified. We thought we were going to burn to death.

Bombs were everywhere. That's what 27-year-old Fadia Al-Najjar kept saying. She's from Khaza'a; she was telling us what kind of horrific night she and her family had just gone through.

While explaining what had happened, Fadia stood next to her paramedic husband Ghanem, now surrounded by other medics, desperately struggling to save his life after he was caught in an airstrike unlike he had ever seen before.

Ghanem was incapacitated while on duty trying to bring injured Palestinians to the hospital. There had been calls reporting mysterious white smoke in the latest airstrike, and Ghanem was dispatched to attend to the wounded. He was on duty when he inhaled some of the smoke.

"The shelling with phosphorous bombs started in Khaza'a. Two of the bombs hit the area around our house,” Fadia explained. She recalled how the fire spread quickly throughout the home, and white smoke billowed out the windows.

"Neighbors were screaming, asking for help; the fire was changing," she remembers. "I woke up my kids, got them to my parents’ house, hoping to find a safer place."

"But the real catastrophe was two hours after we had moved to my parents’ house; bombs hit their home too and the fire spread everywhere. The top floor was burnt completely.”

It's not just her husband Fadia keeps watch over. In fact, the young mother has to split her time among the hospital's many wards. Her children have also been hospitalized.

"They wanted to burn us alive inside the house. There were 40 of us in there. Men, women, children,” she recalls of the second bombing. "We could hear their bodies burning."

more