USE OF WHITE PHOSPHORUS IS TOTALLY UNNACCEPTABLE
January 20, 2009 5:47 PM
Local MP Nick Harvey has expressed his alarm about the inappropriate use of White Phosphorus in the Gaza Strip and has tabled a motion calling on the Government to clarify its position and do all it can to persuade the Israeli government to stop using such weapons.
Despite Israeli denials, the evidence that Israeli Defence Forces used White Phosphorus in the Gaza Strip during their offensive has become increasingly clear. The UN, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented its use, and returning Israeli soldiers have admitted to it.
Commenting on the issue, Nick Harvey MP said:
"The use of White Phosphorous by Israeli forces in the recent incursion into the Gaza Strip is alarming."
"It is an indiscriminate weapon, innocent men, women, and children will be affected as well as the Hamas militants Israel say they are targeting."
"As a chemical designed for smokescreens and signalling, its use in one of the most densely populated places in the world is entirely unacceptable."
"Although it is not illegal under international law, serious questions need to be asked about the restrictions placed upon its use, and in my role as Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary I will continue to call on the Government to clarify its position and seek to find what can be done to monitor its use."
Notes
White Phosphorous shells explode in the air leaving a distinctive jelly-fish cloud before falling to the ground. As an incendiary it will burn until it has exhausted itself and contact with human skin causes severe burns, often to the bone, as well as the smoke causing severe respiratory problems.
Using white phosphorus as a weapon, as opposed to its use as an obscurant and infrared blocking smoke screen, contravenes the United Nations third convention on conventional weapons.
The text of Nick's EDM can be found below:
EDM 477
USE OF WHITE PHOSPHORUS IN THE GAZA STRIP
15.01.2009
Harvey, Nick
That this House expresses alarm about the use of white phosphorus by the Israeli defence forces in the current conflict with Gaza; understands that although the chemical is not illegal under international law, its purpose is primarily intended for smokescreens and signalling on the battlefield; therefore believes it is ill-suited to densely populated areas like the Gaza Strip; recognises that white phosphorus is indiscriminate in its target and will therefore not distinguish between militants and civilians; is seriously concerned that due to medical shortages and a severe shortage of water, medics within the Gaza Strip lack the capabilities to alleviate the suffering of civilians who may have been affected; is concerned that external monitors and medics are prohibited from entering the Gaza Strip; further recognises that world leaders have condemned the use of the chemical; calls on the Government to clarify its policy on white phosphorus; and urges the Government to do all it can to persuade the Israeli government to stop the bombardments and use of white phosphorus and to allow full humanitarian access to the Palestinians.
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