The use of white phosphorus as a weapon is a controversial issue and its legality is subject to interpretation. The use of incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, is banned by the Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). However, the protocol permits the use of incendiary weapons for certain purposes, such as to create smoke screens, mark targets, or as a signaling device.

The use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas, such as cities or civilian areas, could result in significant harm to civilians and civilian objects, which may violate the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international humanitarian law. Therefore, the use of white phosphorus in a manner that causes excessive harm to civilians may be considered a war crime under the international law of armed conflict.

However, the legality of the use of white phosphorus in specific circumstances can be complex and subject to interpretation. Ultimately, the legality of the use of white phosphorus as a weapon depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
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