NPR News: 06-06-2026 9PM EDT

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Jeanine Herbst· Host0:17

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. Israel has used white phosphorus over civilian areas in Lebanon, according to The New York Times. That's a chemical that can cause burns and other injuries. NPR's Steven Bessaha has more.

Stephen Bisaha0:34

White phosphorus is not banned under international law and can be used to create smoke screens or mark military targets. But Badour Hassan with Amnesty International says it is illegal to use over civilian areas due to its indiscriminate harm.

Badour Hassan· Soundbite0:49

The likelihood of it causing suffering, causing damage, causing long-term damage as well, both to the respiratory system and burns.

Stephen Bisaha0:58

Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus over Lebanese homes in March, and The Times says the substance was used as recently as last week. NPR has not independently verified those claims, and Israel denies using the substance in a way that violates international law. Steven Bessaha, NPR News.

Jeanine Herbst· Host1:15

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in Normandy to mark the eighty-second anniversary of the D-Day landings. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports he used the occasion to tell Europe that it has to be responsible for its own security.

Eleanor Beardsley1:28

At the American Cemetery on a bluff