What is white phosphorus?

• • White phosphorus is a pyrophoric substance that ignites when exposed to oxygen, producing thick, light smoke as well as intense 815-degree Celsius heat. 

• Pyrophoric substances are those which ignite spontaneously (under five minutes) when in contact with air.

What are the military uses of white phosphorus?

• White phosphorus is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets. 
• Its primary military use is as a smokescreen — used to hide troop movement on the ground. The smoke acts as a visual obscurant.
• Upon exposure, white phosphorus can cause severe burns, often down to the bone. White phosphorus burns on even 10 per cent of the body can be fatal.
• Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can cause respiratory damage and harm to internal organs.

Why in News?

• • Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of using white phosphorus incendiary shells in conflict-hit southern Lebanon.

• Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization headquartered in New York City that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.

What is the legal status of white phosphorus munitions?

• White phosphorus munitions are not under a blanket ban, though their use is regulated under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) imposes restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, with the aim of safeguarding civilians.