In a report entitled `` Rain of Fire : Israel 's Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza '' released last year , Human Rights Watch said Israel 's firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas during the Gaza offensive `` was indiscriminate and is evidence of war crimes . '' White phosphorus is used to create smoke screen for troops . The element burns when exposed to oxygen and creates an intense burn when it touches the skin . It's also a very effective weapon against tanks, aircraft carriers, ships, etc...
White phosphorus is used to create smoke screen for troops . The element burns when exposed to oxygen and creates an intense burn when it touches the skin . It's also a very effective weapon against tanks, aircraft carriers, ships, etc...