Israel is using controversial white phosphorus shells to push forward with a ground offensive against the densely-populated Gaza Strip.
White phosphorus, classified as 'chemical weapon' by the US intelligence, can cause horrific burns and severe injuries in anyone exposed to the element released from artillery shells.
"The explosions are fantastic looking, and produce a great deal of smoke that blinds the enemy so that our forces can move in," an Israeli security expert was quoted by the Times Online.
The shells were used by the artillery on Gaza City on Sunday, as Israeli tanks and ground forces pushed further into the region, tightening military grip on the city.
At least 555 Palestinians have been killed and some 2,790 have been wounded since December 27, when Tel Aviv began its military campaign on Gaza.
Earlier Sunday, Dr. Mads Gilbert, a member of a Norwegian triage medical team in Gaza, told Press TV that the medics have found depleted uranium in some Gaza residents.
The Gaza Strip, one of the world's densely-populated areas, has been under an Israeli blockade since the Hamas movement won a majority in the 2006 Palestinian election and took control of the area in mid-June 2007.
According to Times Online, the use of unconventional weapons in Gaza is likely to ignite more controversy over the methods the Israeli army uses.
Tel Aviv had previously used white phosphorus during the 2006 war with Lebanon.
Israel says its latest military campaign aims to force Hamas to stop its rocket attacks on southern Israel.
Hamas has reportedly said it would stop retaliatory attacks if Tel Aviv lifts the 18-month blockade of the coastal sliver.
The Bush administration has expressed its support for the ongoing military campaign, saying Israel was provoked by Hamas.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Friday that the Hamas movement has held hostage the Palestinians who live in Gaza and have had "a very bad daily life."
Congressman Ron Paul has, however, decried the Israeli raids, rejecting the idea that Hamas is threatening Tel Aviv's security; "Palestinian missiles are so minor compared to the fire power of Israel, who has nuclear weapons."
World leaders, meanwhile, have called for an immediate halt in the attacks on Gaza.
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