White phosphorus is an allotrope – a chemical element with different molecular structures – of phosphorus that is used in the chemical industry and as an incendiary agent . With it the white phosphorus bombs are manufactured, known in military jargon as WP – White Phosphorus -. In Vietnam they were popularly called Willy Peter .
The product is a white or yellow waxy solid with a garlic-like odor. It burns easily on contact with oxygen and forms a dense white smoke screen that hides troop movements . The use of these bombs is internationally accepted for this function, but not for dropping them on the civilian population , since the incandescent phosphorous particles produce deep burns. Even so, Israel admitted to dumping them in Gaza City, in 2008 and 2009.
