Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces shelled the town of Aynata in southern Lebanon with phosphorus munitions on April 7, 2026.
The artillery shelling targeted the border town in the Bint Jbeil district, raising fresh concerns over the use of white phosphorus in populated areas. Local sources described dense smoke and fires following the attack, though immediate casualty figures were not confirmed in the initial reports.
Context of Ongoing Border Operations
Aynata has been a frequent target amid intensified Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. The town lies close to the border and has seen repeated artillery and airstrikes as part of efforts to target alleged Hezbollah positions.
Controversy Over Phosphorus Use
The reported use of phosphorus munitions has drawn criticism in the past, with human rights groups previously documenting similar incidents in southern Lebanon earlier in the conflict. White phosphorus is legally used for smokescreens and illumination but is prohibited when deployed in a manner that causes indiscriminate harm to civilians.
Lebanese officials and media described the shelling as part of the continuing escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border. No immediate comment from the Israeli military was available regarding this specific incident.
The attack adds to the heavy toll on southern Lebanese communities, where civilian areas continue to face cross-border violence.