White phosphorus is incredibly easy to obtain in small volumes (if you have a matchbook you already have some red phosphorus), and in larger volumes it’s found in some pretty common minerals. Unfortunately the possible damage done or weapons use of a material isn’t always reflected in how difficult it is to obtain. According to the ACS 900,000 tons are produced annually & mostly used in fertilizer and pesticide.
It’s not illegal to have or use. It’s legitimately used for smoke screens and illumination. It is illegal to use against people. And given the population density of Gaza, it can basically only ever be a war crime.
I suspect i know the answer to this, but where in the hell did they get this internationally illegal substance to use?
Phosphorous is everywhere and is used in tons of products.
I see. Thank you, that makes sense
It’s legal for illumination and smokescreens.
Removed by mod
White phosphorus is incredibly easy to obtain in small volumes (if you have a matchbook you already have some red phosphorus), and in larger volumes it’s found in some pretty common minerals. Unfortunately the possible damage done or weapons use of a material isn’t always reflected in how difficult it is to obtain. According to the ACS 900,000 tons are produced annually & mostly used in fertilizer and pesticide.
https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/w/white-phosphorus.html
It’s not illegal to have or use. It’s legitimately used for smoke screens and illumination. It is illegal to use against people. And given the population density of Gaza, it can basically only ever be a war crime.
US sold it to them years ago:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/12/11/israel-us-white-phosphorus-lebanon/