The Israeli army used white phosphorus munitions in southern Lebanon, said United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Tuesday.
Lacroix made the statements at the UN headquarters in New York, noting that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has launched an investigation into the matter.
"I believe there has been use of white phosphorus [munitions]. Then again, our position is that it should not be used in conditions where the civilian population is potentially affected by that. Now, in terms of the specifics, the conditions in which those cases occur, the UNFIL has conducted investigations. I don't have the elements of these investigations which are ongoing," he said.
White phosphorus munitions are offensive incendiary weapons that produce high temperatures and toxic smoke when burning. As a weapon, they are strictly regulated by international law.
In 1980, the United Nations adopted the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects, and the protocol on prohibitions or restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons annexed to the convention prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against civilians and civilian gatherings.
The Israeli army argued that it only used white phosphorus munitions as flares or to provide cover using the smoke they produced, and was therefore not subject to this restriction. Lacroix also said that UNIFIL is discussing with all parties on expanding the force's capacity building after the end of this round of conflict, with a focus on enhancing its ability to remove remaining explosive devices.
"I believe that the post hostilities environment in southern Lebanon would be characterized by a very significant presence of improvised explosive devices, remnants of war mines, and we are already working with some contributing countries to expand UNIFIL's capacity in that area," Lacroix said.
UN peacekeeping chief confirms Israel's use of phosphorus munitions in Lebanon
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
