Israel finally confesses . . .

. . . to at least one war-crime: the deployment of white phosphorus in its attack on Gaza. White phosphorus can serve as a smokescreen in battle, but is severely restricted by international law and is prohibited from being deployed in civilian areas. Gaza is one of the most crowded places on earth. Ample photographic and video evidence attests to its illicit use in heavily populated areas, for example the firing of white phosphorous shells at a UN school in Beit Lahiya on January 17. The Israel government may reverse these claims - i.e. bona fide lies - but hubris and corruption prevent it from doing little else than ironically denying its original denials.

'CHANGING TUNE'

January 5 The Times reports that telltale smoke has appeared from areas of shelling. Israel denies using phosphorus

January 8 The Times reports photographic evidence showing stockpiles of white phosphorus (WP) shells. Israel Defence Forces spokesman says: “This is what we call a quiet shell – it has no explosives and no white phosphorus”

January 12 The Times reports that more than 50 phosphorus burns victims are taken into Nasser Hospital. An Israeli military spokesman “categorically” denies the use of white phosphorus

January 15 Remnants of white phosphorus shells are found in western Gaza. The IDF refuses to comment on specific weaponry but insists ammunition is “within the scope of international law”

January 16 The United Nations Relief and Works Agency headquarters are hit with phosphorus munitions. The Israeli military continues to deny its use

January 21 Avital Leibovich, Israel’s military spokeswoman, admits white phosphorus munitions were employed in a manner “according to international law”

January 23 Israel says it is launching an investigation into white phosphorus munitions, which hit a UN school on January 17. “Some practices could be illegal but we are going into that. The IDF is holding an investigation concerning one specific unit and one incident” Source: Times database READ MORE

"A Shameful War: Israel in the Dock Over Assault on Gaza"

Up to 10 times as many Palestinians were killed as Israelis. The Palestinian Ministry of Health says 1,314 Palestinians were killed, of whom 412 were children or teenagers under 18, and 110 were women. On the Israeli side, there were 13 deaths between 27 December and 17 January, of whom three were civilians killed by rockets fired from Gaza. Of the 10 soldiers killed, four were lost to "friendly fire".

-mr