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UN Endorses Israel and Hamas War Crimes Report
Shrouded by more important news (such as one coined ‘Balloon Boy Hoax’), a pivotal UN Human Rights Council resolution passed 25-6 with little noise on the mainstream media.
The resolution endorsed a report accusing Israel and Hamas of atrocious war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Gaza conflict in January of 2009, in which around 14,00 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed in three weeks.
In addition, it condemned Israel’s policies in its access to Muslim holy sites, demolition of Palestinian homes and excavation work near Haram al-Sharif in East Jerusalem.
The report was drafted by South African judge, Richard Goldstone, a leading figure in the field of human rights and international law. He was the chair of the Advisory Committee to the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation, and served on the Board of Directors for several nonprofit organizations including Physicians for Human Rights, the International Center for Transitional Justice, Human Rights Watch, and the Center for Economic for Social Rights.
The UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay call for credible and independent investigations on both sides to begin within six months. Failed investigation efforts from either side could lead to a rare international criminal court investigation.
Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel had already affirmed that he would not allow any Israelis to face war crime trials. And it was reported that he had urged Britain Prime Minister, Gordon Brown to vote against the resolution. Britain did not cast a vote.
This resolution marks a milestone in the Middle East conflict, as it is the first time that such serious investigations have been considered on the world stage.
US voted against the resolution, in fear of injuring the ally relation with Israel and Western countries may be concerned that they could face similar pressure into investigations in their behaviors in Iraq and Afghanistan in the future.
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