Between October 2023 and October 2024, Israel conducted 195 white phosphorus strikes in southern Lebanon, violating international humanitarian law, according to Human Rights Watch. The use of this incendiary weapon has caused severe civilian injuries and environmental damage, igniting fires over 918 hectares and affecting local agriculture. While researchers are concerned about heavy metal contamination from military activities, preliminary tests suggest white phosphorus itself may not have long-term soil effects. Nonetheless, rising cancer rates in Lebanon raise health concerns linked to heavy metal exposure from bombing sites.
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