Once again, Israel bombs populated Lebanese villages with prohibited white phosphorus

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 23, 2026

Israeli forces launched coordinated air and ground attacks on multiple sites in southern Lebanon, employing white phosphorus munitions and causing significant destruction to residential areas and farmland. The use of these incendiary weapons, banned in populated zones under international law, has heightened calls for accountability amid ongoing U.S. support for Israel and mounting civilian casualties, including media workers targeted since October 2023.

Israeli forces conducted air and ground operations targeting several areas in southern Lebanon, including the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa and surrounding villages, according to reports from the region. The military strikes involved the use of white phosphorus munitions and were accompanied by drone reconnaissance flights and sustained artillery bombardment.

On the northern outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Israeli warplanes carried out two air raids against the Ali al-Taher hill, while reconnaissance drones maintained continuous surveillance over central and western sectors of the area. Ground forces advanced from Biyada towards Buyut al-Sayyid and al-Mansouri, sweeping adjacent valleys with machine-gun fire. In Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Israeli troops reportedly burned residential homes belonging to displaced Lebanese citizens, established a new checkpoint, and destroyed local farmland and olive trees. Additional artillery strikes were reported between Beit Yahoun and Baraachit, with explosions affecting towns such as Kounine, Hadatha, and Aita al-Jabal.

White phosphorus rounds were fired in several locations, including Dawhat Kfar Remman, the area around Dabsha hill, and wooded zones near Ali al-Taher. White phosphorus, an incendiary compound that ignites on contact with oxygen and can reach temperatures exceeding 760 degrees Celsius, causes severe burns and respiratory damage. The use of white phosphorus in populated areas is prohibited under international humanitarian law due to its indiscriminate and harmful effects on civilians. Human rights organizations have previously documented Israel’s deployment of white phosphorus in Lebanese border villages such as Kafr Kila, Mays al-Jabal, Boustane, Markaba, and Aita al-Chaab, as well as in densely populated areas of Gaza.

In Beirut, a memorial event titled “Martyrs of the Word and Image” was held to honor eleven journalists killed in Israeli strikes since October 2023. Families of the deceased and media professionals gathered at the Lebanese National Theater to voice demands for accountability, announcing plans to compile forensic evidence and eyewitness testimonies for submission to the International Criminal Court. Lebanon’s United Nations representative, Caroline Ziadeh, has reported that 28 Lebanese media workers have died since last October.

The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Lebanon has been conducted with significant support from the United States, which continues to provide Israel with military munitions, intelligence, and diplomatic backing. U.S. officials maintain that they are also engaged in facilitating diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon, but critics argue Washington’s support effectively shields Israel from international sanctions and enables ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.