Human Rights Watch accused the Israeli military of unlawfully firing white phosphorus shells at residential areas in a southern Lebanese village, according to a report released Monday.

The human rights organization said Israel used artillery to fire white phosphorus at the village of Yohmor in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred hours after the Israeli military warned residents of Yohmor and dozens of other villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate the area.

Human Rights Watch said it verified the claims by geolocating and analyzing seven images from the incident. The organization said it could not independently confirm whether any residents remained in the area at the time or if anyone was injured.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In previous instances, Israeli officials have stated that white phosphorus is used as a smoke screen and not to target civilians.

White phosphorus is a controversial incendiary munition that human rights advocates say violates international law when fired into populated areas. The white-hot chemical substance can ignite buildings and cause severe burns to human flesh. Survivors face risks of infections and organ or respiratory failure even from small burns.

"The Israeli military's unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians," said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. The organization, along with Amnesty International, has previously documented the use of white phosphorus munitions during Israel's last conflict with Hezbollah over a year ago, when civilians were still present in affected areas of southern Lebanon.