This tweet and this other one, both shared a video claiming to show a phosphorous bomb lodged in Gaza by Israel. These claims are largely based on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Part of the post shared by these accounts reads, “Israel Air Force drops prohibited Phosphorous bombs on Gaza.”
Background
White Phosphorous bombs also referred to as Yellow Phosphorous bombs are weapons characterised by their ability to burn under high temperatures. Due to its high solubility in fat, the Forensic Architecture says, it can burn and penetrate through the skin, down to the bone. It burns at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and continues to burn until it is fully oxidized. The World Health Organization says exposure to this kind of weapon can cause cardiovascular damage when inhaled and severe burns in case of dermal contact. Incendiary weapons are not entirely banned but regulated under Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).
Verification
A reverse image search shows that the video was taken in Ukraine. A publication by the Mirror refers to the weapon seen in this video as Thermite munitions. Another publication shared the same video on March 12, 2023.
According to the Daily Mail, this weapon was used by Russian troops to attack Vuhledar, a town in Ukraine. It further adds that thermite bombs can burn at a temperature of 2,000 degrees Celsius and even burn human flesh down to the bone.
According to Forbes, Phosphorus bombs are regarded as less dangerous compared to Thermite bombs. Unlike Thermite bombs, Phosphorus bombs produce a lot of smoke when they burn. Thermite bombs on the other hand are solely used to start fires.
Verdict
This video does not show Phosphorus bombs used to attack Gaza.
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