Phosphorus used in shelling Lebanon

JERUSALEM - Israel confirmed it had used phosphorus shells, a controversial munition condemned by many human rights groups, during its war against Hizbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

The International Red Cross and other human rights organisations have urged a world ban on the munitions, saying they cause undue suffering through severe burns.

An Israeli military spokesman confirmed a report in Israel's left-leaning newspaper Haaretz. "The army made use of phosphorus shells during the recent conflict with Hizbollah in Lebanon for the purpose of attacking military targets located in open areas," the Israeli military said in a statement.

"According to international law, the usage of phosphorus ammunition is permitted and the army conforms to international regulations and standards."

The United States has acknowledged using incendiary white-phosphorus munitions in a 2004 assault against insurgents in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

- REUTERS