9th March 2026

Human Rights Watch said yesterday that the Israeli military used white phosphorus munitions over homes in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor, on March 3, 2026, which is an illegal action in international law.  The organisation has verified eight images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions being deployed over a residential part of the town and civil defence workers responding to fires in at least two homes and one car in that area.  White phosphorus is a chemical that can set homes, agricultural areas, and other objects on fire. Under international humanitarian law it is illegal to use of airburst white phosphorus in populated areas as it indiscriminately impacts upon militants and civilians and does not meet the legal requirement to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm. Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch  “Israel should immediately halt this practice and states providing Israel with weapons, including white phosphorus munitions, should immediately suspend military assistance and arms sales and push Israel to stop firing such munitions in residential areas.” 

Loving God, forgive those who seek to kill using chemical weapons, that create indiscriminate and excruciating death. We pray that the use of this weaponry will cease immediately.  Guide the international community to condemn its use, that the Israeli government and military leadership will cease its use.  We pray that international law will be upheld for the alternative is too horrific to contemplate. We ask you loving care for all who mourn and all who are now suffering as a consequence of the use of white phosphorus. We pray for peace in our troubled world.   In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Jasmine is 14 years old and lives in Southampton, UK. She was born with the left and right ventricles of her heart swapped, along with other serious complications. During her medical treatment she received valued support from Heartbeat. Heartbeat is a regional charity supporting people with congenital and cardiovascular disease by supporting the work of the Wessex Cardiac Unit based at the University Hospital Southampton. They provide specialised equipment, services and facilities to help patients and their relatives through their cardiac journey, and fund ground-breaking research to improve advancements in heart health.   Jasmine said: "When I received treatment for my condition, I wanted to say thank you to Heartbeat for all they have done to support me. I set out to raise the money for my heart". Jasmine walked a mile every day for 26 days, one for each day she spent in hospital, starting on 12 December 2025, exactly one year after her operation. Jasmine raised far more than covering the cost of her new 3D heart.  She said, "thanks to the kind support from everyone, the £6,203 raised will, I hope, pay for more 3D hearts, so that more people can receive treatment and feel better sooner."  Tanya Harder, fundraising and marketing manager at Heartbeat, said: "Thanks to such a generous donation from Jasmine, Heartbeat will be able to continue to fund projects like the 3D heart initiative, as well as provide support and care for patients being treated for heart conditions, and their families." 

Loving Father, creator God,

we marvel at your wonderful creation

and give you praise.

We are amazed by all we see around us,

 the beauty and majesty of all that you have made.

The expanse of the sky,

the height of the mountains,

the depth of the oceans,

the lush green valleys,

the trees, lakes, streams

and vastness of the deserts

all tell of your greatness.

We marvel at the uniqueness of every snowflake,

every fingerprint,

every human life.

Words are inadequate to express

the wonder and magnificence

of all you have created.

We are in awe of your creation.

We humbly give you praise and thanks.

Amen