Lebanon says Israeli army used white phosphorus in strikes on Yarun and Bint Jbeil
NNA reported on 3 August 2026 that overnight strikes on Yarun and Bint Jbeil allegedly involved white phosphorus munitions; Israel did not respond to the accusations.
Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported on 3 August 2026, 16:54 that the Israeli army used white phosphorus munitions in overnight strikes on the southern towns of Yarun and Bint Jbeil.
The NNA and other Lebanese outlets said the strike on Yarun devastated roughly 120 hectares of olive groves and pine woodland.
According to the Lebanese reporting, Israel's military neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the strikes on the two towns and did not respond to the specific allegations that white phosphorus was used.
International context
Israel has faced repeated accusations of using white phosphorus in attacks on populated areas in southern Lebanon. At the end of March, Human Rights Watch condemned the unlawful use of white phosphorus munitions during an artillery strike on the town of Yohmor, a few days after the start of the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.
International humanitarian law strictly prohibits the use of white phosphorus in populated areas because of its incendiary properties and the severe burns and fires it can cause.
Photo: press material from the event
