What exactly is white phosphorus and why is it controversial?

Israel has been accused this week of again using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, firing shells near towns and villages. Human rights monitors say such operations constitute indiscriminate attacks that violate international humanitarian law. White phosphorus causes painful burns and death, and is regarded by many experts as an incendiary weapon. But it has largely escaped a blanket ban under international law, given its other military uses. Here, Middle East Eye explains everything you need to know about the munition and how it is deployed. What is white phosphorus? White phosphorus, usually derived from rock phosphate, is a pale, waxy…