World's most experienced judges and human rights investigators called Monday for a full int'l probe into Israeli abuses during Gaza attack.
A group of the world's most experienced judges and human rights investigators called Monday for a full international investigation into alleged Israeli abuses of international law in Gaza.
In a letter to the secretary general of the United Nations, the 16 signatories, including Richard Goldstone, a former chief prosecutor for Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said both sides in the conflict had allegations to answer for and needed to be held to account.
In the open letter supported by Amnesty International, they stress the need for an investigation into "all serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict."
Not limited only on UN attacks
The letter says that the UN investigation "should not be limited only to attacks on UN facilities."
"Without setting the record straight in a credible and impartial manner, it will be difficult for those communities that have borne the heavy cost of violence to move beyond the terrible aftermath of conflict.
"A prompt, independent and impartial investigation would provide a public record of gross violations of international humanitarian law committed and provide recommendations on how those responsible for crimes should be held to account."
Israel launched a three-week offensive in Gaza on Dec. 27, 2008.
A Palestinian human rights group said last week its own investigation had shown that 1,434 Gazans were killed during the attack, including 960 civilians, 239 police officers and 235 fighters. Among the civilians were 288 children and 121 women.
Thirteen Israelis were killed during the war, including 3 hit by rockets fired into Israel.
In their letter, Goldstone and others said they were "shocked to the core" by the events in Gaza and said an independent investigation was needed to adhere to the laws enshrined in the Geneva Conventions on conflict.
"The world must vigilantly demand respect for these standards and investigate and condemn their violations," said the letter.
It said the commission of enquiry should be established by the United Nations, but not be limited to investigating attacks on U.N. facilities and have the "greatest possible" expertise.
Source : http://www.worldbulletin.net
