White phosphorus is a devastating weapon. Militaries across the globe use it to create fog, but it’s illegal under international law when it’s used close to civilians. When the chemical comes in contact with people, it causes horrendous burns, excruciating pain, and death. White phosphorus burns on just 10 percent of the human body are often fatal. The aftermath of its use is also more than physical; survivors endure lifelong psychological trauma and social exclusion due to their disfiguring injuries

Yet Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have verified the Israeli military used white phosphorus last month, exposing innocent people in Gaza and southern Lebanon, including children, to unimaginable suffering.

The United States, as one of Israel’s key allies, should do all it can to continue to push for an immediate ceasefire and end the indiscriminate suffering of millions of people — and that includes ending the use of white phosphorus. 

White phosphorus is just one of the many weapons currently being used by the Israeli government that disproportionately harm innocent people. How do we know? Because the Pentagon used this weapon in Iraq in 2004. That’s why, for this demand to be taken seriously, the Biden administration needs to lead by example.

Can you call on President Biden to demand the Israeli government ban the use of white phosphorus in its military operations and commit the United States to the same life-saving standard?