During the conflict in Lebanon, cluster bomb shells were fired into urban and rural areas where Israel said they believed Hezbollah guerrillas might be hiding.
Many hit the ground or pavement and did not explode, but have continued to be detonated when found by civilians.
Children have been particularly affected by the bombs because they find them and try to play with them. The released bombs are often bright yellow with parachutes and easily catch the attention of a child.
Israel said it was forced to use bombs in civilian areas in Lebanon because Hezbollah fighters were using villages as a base for rocket-launchers aimed at Israel
At least 850 Lebanese and 157 Israelis died in the fighting.
The administration of US President George W. Bush repeatedly warned Israel to avoid civilian casualties during the cross-border war, but refrained from direct criticism of Israeli tactics.
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