I've seen quite a few posts from military folks on this site, so I'll give this question a try. I've seen several TV images that show a certain bomb that Isreal is using in Gaza. This weapon explodes about 100' off the ground and sends a white shower of what might be small bomblets down - hopefully this image can be cut and pasted and you'll see what I mean. Its definately not a flare since it explodes and they are using them during the day. Any ideas?

Would not want to be standing under that......

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231774441899&pagename=JPost%2FPage%2FSlideShow&photoId=6 

White phosphorus. Nasty stuff. Lots of light and smoke, but also burns indiscriminately. (Though I guess there are few bombs that discriminate between combatants and civilians very well).

Lots of negative press at the moment; much of it from human rights groups or arab press.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090111/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_white_phosphorus 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_phosphorus_ (weapon)

UsaHog1 has asked me to post this answer to your question:

"To Answer his question:

Cluster Bomb( s) used for massive devastation..

CBU 87 or possibly CBU 89 or even the CBU 97?

CBU = Cluster Bomb Unit

http://fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/usunguidedmunitions.html#cluster 

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/cbu-87.htm 

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/cbu-89.htm 

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/cbu-97.htm 

They all rock.. and I used to load these extensively on my former F-16 days...

Hog/ Weapons System Specialist F-4D/ F-16A/B C/D (Retired)"

I applaud Israel's use of force, violence and destruction of Hamas. I am sorry to see there is collateral damage, but that is what exactly what you risk when you vote in terrorists and fail to flee when advised in advance to do so.

Some Palestininian civilians may be fleeing as advised, but do not Hamas make it a point to hunker down among innocents, anyway? Schools, hospitals, residential buildings/apartments, etc.?

... and UN schools and possibly even a UN compound!