An Israeli military statement, confirming a report in the Israeli "Haaretz" newspaper, said phosphorus shells had been used to attack military targets in open areas in Lebanon, and that the use of such munitions is permitted under international law.
The International Red Cross and other human rights organizations have urged a global ban on phosphorus weapons, saying they can cause severe burns and other human suffering.
(compiled from agency reports)
Iran, Syria, And Hizballah
Iranians demonstrating in support of Hizballah in Tehran on July 17 (epa)
'FOR THE SAKE OF LEBANON': The Islamic Republic of Iran has served as an ideological inspiration for Hizballah since the Lebanese militant group's creation in 1982, and Tehran acknowledges that it supports the organization morally and politically. "Yes, we are friends of Syria and Iran" Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah has said. "For 24 years we benefited from our friendship with Syria and Iran for the sake of Lebanon...." (more)
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