ISRAELI DEFENCE FORCE AND WHITE PHOSPHORUS

Early day motion 1339, tabled 23 April 2009 by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House welcomes the Israeli Defence Force's decision to stop using white phosphorus shells in Gaza in 2009 following evidence that they were injuring civilians; notes that, although phosphorus bombs may be used to create smokescreens, their use as weapons in civilian areas is illegal under the Geneva Conventions; recalls the report Rain of Fire by Human Rights Watch; urges Israel to admit that it acted in contravention of the international law principles of distinction and proportionality by using white phosphorus munitions in areas of high civilian density in the recent Gaza conflict; and concludes that Israel must agree to the investigation of this issue by the UN Human Rights Council.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 16, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.