Human Rights Watch has demanded an investigation into Israeli use of white phosphorus over densely populated areas of Gaza.
The group says the Israeli army unlawfully fired white phosphorus shells during its recent offensive, needlessly killing and injuring civilians.
Citing Israel's use of white phosphorus as evidence of war crimes, the group said the army knew the munitions threatened the civilian population but 'deliberately or recklessly' continued to use them until the final days of the operation.
It called on senior Israeli military commanders to be held to account, and urged the US, which supplied the shells, to conduct its own investigation.
White phosphorus ignites on contact with oxygen and continues burning at up to 816C until none is left or the oxygen supply is cut.
It is often used to produce smoke screens, but can also be used as a weapon, producing extreme burns if it makes contact with skin.
When used in open areas, white phosphorus munitions are permissible under international law.
But HRW said Israel 'unlawfully' fired them over populated neighbourhoods, killing and wounding civilians and damaging civilian structures, including a school, a market, a humanitarian aid warehouse and a hospital.
Netanyahu govt to be ‘partner for peace’
Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu claims the government he is forming will be a ‘partner for peace’ with the Palestinians and take action to shore up their economy.
Speaking a day after enlisting the centre-left Labour Party into a political partnership, Mr Netanyahu said his intention to shore up the Palestinian economy would not be a substitute for peace talks.
‘I think that the Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security and for rapid economic development of the Palestinian economy,’ he said in a speech in Jerusalem.
‘Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included,’ he said.
Mr Netanyahu has shied away from declaring support for a two-state solution that is at the heart of US peace efforts reaffirmed by President Barack Obama yesterday.
