The UN nuclear watchdog said yesterday it would investigate allegations by Arab countries that Israel may have used ammunition containing depleted uranium during its 22-day military offensive in Gaza. Separately, Israel's army is said to have launched an inquiry into whether paratroopers used banned white phosphorus shells close to civilians during the Gaza offensive.

The Arab countries made the allegations in a letter to Director General Mohammed ElBaradei which was delivered by the Saudi Arabian ambassador. They asked the International Atomic Energy Agency to investigate the matter.

IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming confirmed the receipt of the letter. "We are circulating the letter to member states and will investigate the matter to the extent of our ability," IAEA spokeswoman Fleming said.