UN passes resolution to press Israel and Palestine investigations into Gaza war crimes

The United Nations General Assembly voted 98 to 7 to give Israel and the Palestinian Authority an additional five months to investigate war crimes committed during the 2009 Gaza conflict. The United States and Israel voted no. Another 31 abstained and 56 countries didn't vote. But the UK's Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant says there's a growing number of EU countries in support of credible investigations, including the UK, which voted in support of the non-binding resolution.

“The resolution calls on both sides to do full, impartial, and credible investigations. There have been some investigations by the Israeli Defense Force on the Israeli side, which we welcome, but it is not sufficient and there are still concerns, and we look to the Israeli government to meet those concerns. On the Palestinian side there have not yet been any substantive investigations and therefore the resolution calls on the Palestinians to do those full, credible and impartial investigations over the next five months.”

Last year, a panel headed by former South African Judge Richard Goldstone found that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the January 2009 conflict, which left an estimated 1400 Palestinians dead, mostly civilians. Nine Israelis were killed, according to Ha'aretz. In November, the General Assembly called on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to investigate the IDF's and Palestinian roles in the war.  Israel released a 46-page report to the UN earlier this month that found some wrong doing, including firing shells into an area populated by civilians. But Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gabriela Shalev said Israel is acting within the laws of armed conflict.

"The Goldstone Report fails to address the threat of asymmetric warfare and terrorism that uses civilians as shields and targets. Let me state clearly: Israel will never neglect its duty to defend her citizens, her existence, her democracy, and her freedom. We will do so with vigor -- against Hamas, Hizbullah, or any other terrorists, wherever they may be. As Israel faces this existential threat, we remain committed to acting in accordance with international law and the law of armed conflict. This basic obligation is a reflection of our values as a democracy, and our belief that human life must be protected."

The US Ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the US is opposed because the resolution fails to require Hamas to conduct its own investigation. Hamas officials say they've conducted an investigation and found no wrong doing. Today's resolution also requests that the UN Secretary General consider further action by the UN at the end of five months if investigations are inadequate.