Badr Hassan

The likelihood of it causing suffering, causing damage, causing long-term damage as well, both to the respiratory system and burns.

White phosphorus is not banned under international law and can be used to create smoke screens or mark military targets.

But Badr Hassan with Amnesty International says it is illegal to use over civilian areas due to its indiscriminate harm.

Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus over Lebanese homes in March, and The Times says the substance was used as recently as last week.

NPR has not independently verified those claims, and Israel denies using the substance in a way that violates international law.

Stephen Passaha, NPR News.