Peter Lerner, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, left open the possibility that Israel uses white phosphorus bombs in the war in Gaza.

In particular, respondents to the allegations that Israel uses white phosphorus in its attackshe said he was not aware of any case of its use in Gaza, but that “it can be used”.

The substance is used for illumination at night or to create a smoke screen, but when used as a weapon it causes significant burns.

“I would be very careful in trying to judge any business activities that take place. The IDF operates under the laws of armed conflict,” Lerner said, clarifying that “the laws of armed conflict do not prohibit its use. I have no information if it has been used.”

Just three weeks ago, Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using white phosphorus bombs in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, saying the use of such weapons puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury.

It claimed to have verified videos taken in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza a day later showing “multiple explosions of white phosphorus fired by artillery over the Gaza port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border.”