Amnesty International accuses Israel of war crimes in Gaza...

Human rights group Amnesty International has accused Israel of war crimes, saying its use of white phosphorus in Gaza was indiscriminate and illegal.

White phosphorous is frequently used to produce smoke screens, but can also be used as a weapon as it causes extreme burns if it makes contact with skin.

The use of the substance is not illegal under international law, but the indiscriminate use of any weapon in densely populated areas can be the basis of war crimes charges.

Israel has said it will carry out an internal investigation into the use of white phosphorous following similar claims by other rights groups.

Medics in Gaza say over 1,300 Palestinians were killed during the offensive. More...

See also:

1. Israel admits troops may have used phosphorus shells in Gaza...
2. Israel "wins" in Gaza, but it's image and its soul have been shattered...
3. Growing outrage at the killings in Gaza...
4. This is what's happening in Gaza...