UN boss for credible probe into Gaza war crimes

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls upon both Palestinians and Israelis to immediately begin "credible domestic investigations" into the conduct of the Gaza conflict, which killed some 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis, a top UN official said here Wednesday.

The statement came as Lynn Pascoe, UN under-secretary-general for political affairs, was briefing the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.

"The secretary-general calls upon all of the parties to carry out credible domestic investigations into the conduct of the conflict without delay," Pascoe said. "He hopes that such steps will be taken wherever there are credible allegations of human rights abuse throughout the world."

"The secretary-general also hopes that the institutions of the United Nations and its member states can reach a consensus on the way forward on this important matter," he said.

"The secretary-general believes that international humanitarian law needs to be fully respected and civilians must be protected in all situations and circumstances," he said.

Ban supported the report by the Fact Finding Mission, a team led by South African jurist Richard Goldstone, a former international war crimes prosecutor, Pascoe said. "The report makes a number of recommendations for ensuring accountability for perpetrators and redress for victims."

The report accuses Israel of disproportionate use of force in response to rocket attacks from Gaza-based Palestinian militants and of failing to protect civilians during its military strikes on the Gaza Strip.

The U.S.-backed Israel has rejected the report as "biased" and "one-sided."

The Security Council held an open debate on the situation of the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, on Wednesday morning. A total of 44 speakers are expected to take the floor at the open session, they include representatives of all 15 Security Council members, and Australia, Brazil, Cuba, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Syria, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania.