“We have seen the studies”, the White Home official mentioned over studies that Isarel used white phosphorus.

Washington:

The White Home expressed concern Monday over studies that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in assaults on Lebanon, including that it was in search of extra particulars in regards to the allegations.

Lebanon accused Israel of repeatedly utilizing the incendiary weapon in October, whereas the Washington Publish on Monday mentioned evaluation of shell fragments from one assault confirmed the rounds had been US-made.

“We have seen the studies, we’re actually involved about that. We’ll be asking inquiries to attempt to be taught just a little bit extra,” mentioned Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby.

The usage of white phosphorus as a chemical weapon is prohibited below worldwide legislation, however it’s allowed for illuminating battlefields and can be utilized as a smokescreen.

“Clearly, any time that we offer gadgets like white phosphorus to a different navy, it’s with the complete expectation that it will likely be used consistent with these reliable functions and consistent with the legislation of armed battle,” mentioned Kirby.

The Washington Publish mentioned 9 civilians had been injured in an Israeli assault in southern Lebanon utilizing what gave the impression to be US-supplied white phosphorus.

A journalist working for the newspaper discovered remnants of three artillery rounds with serial numbers exhibiting they had been made in the US in 1989 and 1992, it mentioned.

Lebanon mentioned on October 31 that Israel’s use of the weapon in “repeated” assaults — amid tensions following the October 7 assaults on Israel by the Hamas motion in Gaza — had burned 40,000 olive timber.

The US has strongly backed Israel however has been attempting to maintain the battle from spreading all through the area, particularly to Lebanon the place the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is predicated.

Kirby mentioned it was “additionally within the context of that, that we’re involved about these studies” on using white phosphorus.

State Division spokesperson Matthew Miller added that the US was “searching for further data.”

“Anytime that we noticed white phosphorus being utilized in a approach that might hurt civilians, after all, it is one thing that we might be involved about,” Miller added.

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