White phosphorous is a waxy material that burns easily, igniting when it's exposed to air. According to Human Rights Watch, its use in densely populated areas “puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries.” Israel denies knowledge of weapons in Gaza containing the material.Smoke from an Israeli bombardment is shown over the Gaza City seaport on Wednesday. Human Rights Watch alleges this image shows an airburst of artillery-fired white phosphorus.
Videos of white phosphorus munitions allegedly deployed in Gaza have been circulating online for several days. White phosphorus has a characteristic dense white smoke and garlic smell, according to the group. The witnesses said the smell was "stifling," according to Human Rights Watch. White phosphorous is a waxy material that burns easily, igniting when exposed to atmospheric oxygen. According to Human Rights Watch, it can be used either for marking, signalling and obscuring, or as a weapon to set fires that burn people and objects.
"Airbursting of white phosphorus projectiles spreads ... thereby exposing more civilians and civilian structures to potential harm than a localized ground burst," its statement said.and other groups in 2008-09 for the widespread use of white phosphorous bombs on civilian populations instead of a less lethal smokescreen during battle.
"We want you to know that you can put out the phosphorus fire on the ground by burying it in sand and after around an hour the fire will go out," reads one of the messages. "Do not try to put the fire out using water. Regarding the smell, you can place an onion or a wet cloth on the nose and eyes.