What is white phosphorous, and why is it illegal in civilian areas?

Israel used white phosphorous munitions in an attack in southern Lebanon in October, according to reports from The Washington Post — the munitions were supplied by the U.S. What is white phosphorous munitions and why is Amnesty International calling for its use to be investigated as a war crime? What is white phosphorous munitions? The rounds “eject felt wedges saturated with white phosphorous that burns at high temperatures,” and it creates “billowing smoke to obscure troop movements as it falls haphazardly over a wide area,” per the Post.

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