News

Israeli findings delivered to the UN in response to the Goldstone
report compound allegations that white phosphorus munitions were
deployed toward an UNRWA compound in Gaza during last year’s devastating
offensive, Israeli media reported on Monday.

The incident occurred two days before the end of Operation Cast Lead
on 15 January 2009, in southern Gaza’s Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood, the
Israeli daily Haretz reported.

White phosphorus smoke was used to create a cover, according to the
report, to shield Israeli forces from combatants’ view, who were in
close proximity to the UNRWA compound.

The munitions dispersed hundreds of pieces of felt loaded with
phosphorus and the report said these pieces landed into the UNRWA
compound, causing injury to an UNRWA employee and to two Palestinian
civilians who took cover at the location, the daily wrote.

The Israeli government’s findings assert that this endangered human
life during, acknowledging international allegations.

According to the daily, Gaza Division Commander Brigadier General
Eyal Eisenberg and Givati Brigade Commander Colonel Ilan Malka, were the
subject of disciplinary action after headquarters staff found that the
men exceeded their authority in approving the use of phosphorus shells
that endangered human life, the Israeli government report said.