UN: Israel Assault in Gaza May Be War Crime
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip could amount to war crimes, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said, as Israel continued pounding Gaza for a 16th day.
"There seems to be a strong possibility that international law has been violated, in a manner that could amount to war crimes," Pillay told an emergency session on Israel's Gaza offensive at the UN Human Rights Council, citing attacks that have killed Palestinian civilians, including children.
Pillay said the killing of civilians in Gaza, especially children, raises concerns over Israel’s precautions and respect for proportionality, Al Jazeera reported.
Israeli assault’s on Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 648 Palestinians, including dozens of children. More than 4,000 people have been injured.
The number of Israelis who died from fighting with Palestinian fighters has climbed to 31, including 29 soldiers and two civilians. One other soldier remains missing, but is presumed dead, according to the Israeli army.
The 46-nation council - which is the United Nations' top human rights forum - was poised to call for an international inquiry into Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territories.
The meeting was called by Arab and fellow Islamic nations.
