Israel Violated International Law During Gaza War: U.N.

Israel violated international law during Gaza war: UN

http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Israel_..._09152009.html

9/15/2009

Israel violated international humanitarian law and used disproportionate force during its assault on the Gaza Strip eight months ago, a UN fact-finding report said Tuesday.

The report said Israel deliberately attacked civilians, failed to take precautions to minimize loss of civilian life and cited strong evidence Israeli forces committed "grave breaches" of the Geneva Convention.

The firing of white phosphorous shells and the use of high explosive artillery shells were listed as "violations of humanitarian law."

"There were numerous instances of deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects in violation of the fundamental international humanitarian law principle of distinction, resulting in deaths and serious injuries," it added.

It said there was "strong evidence that Israeli forces committed grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention in Gaza, including willful killing, torture or inhumane treatment, willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health, or extensive destruction of property.

"The Israeli operations were carefully planned in all their phases as a deliberately disproportionate attack designed to punish, humiliate and terrorize a civilian population," it said.

Israel has refused to cooperate with the UN fact-finding mission or allow it onto its territory, arguing that its mandate is biased even though mission chief Richard Goldstone and UN rights officials had it broadened to consider all sides.

Some 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during the fighting between December 28, 2008 and January 18. About 5,500 people were wounded, the overwhelming majority of them reported in Gaza.