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Israel Gaza operation violated international law, Palestinian rights: UN report

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Israel's treatment of Palestinians during December and January's Operation Cast Lead, in Gaza grossly violated international law according to a report released Friday by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. The report noted estimates of Israel causing 1,2000-1,400 civilian deaths during the conflict, citing incidents in which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are alleged to have killed civilians who had surrendered, and described Israel's use of white phosphorous in densely populated areas. Among the report's recommendations were that Israel end the Gaza blockade, that independent investigators look into Israel's actions during the conflict as well as other alleged human rights violations, and that Israel cease to expand its settlements. The UN requested the study in a January resolution condemning the offensive. Last month, the IDF announced that it was conducting criminal investigations into alleged intentional misconduct by Israeli soldiers during December and January's fighting in the Gaza strip. The IDF said it was investigating 13 allegations against IDF personnel, including the use of civilians as human shields. Israel and the US condemned a February report that criticized Israel for failing to take adequate precautions to distinguish between civilians and combatants. In April, an internal Israeli military investigation found that war crimes had not been committed in the offensive.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on August 14, 2009 (boomark / email).