FACT CHECK: Video From Russian Attack Being Falsely Shared As Phosphorus Bomb In Gaza

Anna Mock | Fact Check Reporter

A video shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, allegedly shows white phosphorus bombs raining down in Gaza after being dropped by the Israeli air force.  

Verdict: False

The post is miscaptioned. The video depicts a Russian attack on Ukraine from March.

Fact Check: 

Palestine has accused Israel of using white phosphorus bombs during the conflict that’s now estimated to have claimed at least 2,100 lives on both sides, according to Pakistani news outlet Dunya News. The use of these weapons in civilian areas is considered a war crime and is condemned by the 1980 UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, according to the Palestine Chronicle.

An X video appears to show white, glowing lights falling from the sky while smoke can be seen in the background. “LATEST: Shocking! Israel air force drops white Phosphorus bombs on Gaza,” the post reads.

The footage has been miscaptioned. The video was posted to YouTube in March 2023. “Russian forces appeared to target the eastern town of Vuhledar with incendiary thermite munitions,” the description reads. “Videos taken of the alleged attack show brightly burning metals raining from the sky on the coal-mining town, while a Ukrainian can be heard talking in the background.” (RELATED: Video Of Missile Strike Is From 2020, Not From A Recent Hamas Attack)

News outlets such as The Sun and Daily Star used the same video in news reports on the thermite rain. Thermite bombs are made by mixing metal powder with metal oxide and are capable of burning through human flesh, according to The Mirror.

Note: Check Your Fact is working to debunk false and misleading claims from the recent event. Please send tips to [email protected]

Anna Mock

Fact Check Reporter

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