U.N. Panel Accuses Israel, Hamas of War Crimes and Calls for Accountability

On September 15, 2009, a 574-page report by a United Nations Human Rights Panel accused Israel and Hamas of widespread violations of international humanitarian and international human rights violations with respect to military operations that Israel conducted in Gaza during the period from December 27, 2008, and January 18, 2009. The report makes recommendations to a number of U.N. bodes, Israel, responsible Palestinian authorities and the international community, in these areas: accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law; reparations; serious violations of human rights law; the blockade and reconstruction; the use of weapons and military procedures; the protection of human rights organizations and defenders; and follow up to the Mission’s recommendations. Israel’s rejection of the report and the U.S. government’s support of Israel sets the stage for confrontation on accountability for violations of the law of war...(more)