The left is in full hyperventilation mode about how Israel uses white phosphorus to light up the battlefield. The confusion appears to have originated from HRW's inability to differentiate between "using white phosphorus on civilians" and "not using white phosphorus on civilians." Either that or from the left's penchant for unfounded vicious anti-Israel hysteria. But definitely one of the two:

The international Red Cross said Tuesday that Israel has fired white phosphorus shells in its offensive in the Gaza Strip, but has no evidence to suggest the incendiary agent is being used improperly or illegally. The comments came after a human rights organization accused the Jewish state of using white phosphorus, hich ignites when it strikes the skin and burns straight through or until it is cut off from oxygen. It can cause horrific injuries... "In some of the strikes in Gaza it's pretty clear that phosphorus was used," Herby told The Associated Press. "But it's not very unusual to use phosphorus to create smoke or illuminate a target. We have no evidence to suggest it's being used in any other way."... Herby said that using phosphorus to illuminate a target or create smoke is legitimate under international law, and that there was no evidence the Jewish state was intentionally using phosphorus in a questionable way, such as burning down buildings or consciously putting civilians at risk.

In fairness to the international left there's also no evidence that Israel isn't intentionally using phosphorus in a questionable way. So it's obviously safe to conclude that Israel is committing this obvious and instantly recognizable war crime. And when you consider how the Jewish State has apparently made no effort to protect Palestinian civilians - might as well just impanel the Hague tribunal now.

References:
* ICRC: Israel's use of white phosphorus not illegal [AP]
* Compare And Contrast - Israeli Vs. Hamas Cell Phone Messages To Civilians [MR]

Previously:
* Video: Hamas Broadcast Tells Gaza Children To Form Human Shield Around Weapons Cache
* Reminder: Hamas Uses Israeli Humanitarian Gestures To Rack Up Mass Civilian Casualties
* America's Voices Conference Call - Operation Cast Lead