From the secretariat of
the Cluster Munition Coalition
On supposed
use of cluster munition in Gaza
14.01.2009
-- As Cluster Munition
Coalition (CMC) we receive many questions on supposed use of cluster
munitions
in Gaza. There
is much confusion about this in the media. So far we have not been able
to
receive confirmation on the use of cluster munitions by Israel in Gaza
(nor of the use by Hamas of cluster munitions).
Images we have seen so
far indicate the use of white phosphor and not of cluster
munitions. According
to international law white phosphor is forbidden as an attack weapon
because
it causes severe burns, however the use as smoke screen in non-densely
populated
areas is allowed.
The CMC is following the
situation and the use of cluster munition closely.
We call all parties to
respect humanitarian law including the convention on cluster munition
signed by
94 countries in December 2008 (not signed by Israel however)
If we have any proof of
the use of cluster munition during the Gaza
conflict we will not hesitate to address Israel on it.