UN chief says Israel thoroughly investigating its own Gaza actions
By APThursday, February 4, 2010
UN chief praises Israel probe of its Gaza actions
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. chief says Israel is thoroughly investigating allegations it deliberately targeted civilians during last year’s Gaza offensive.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in a 72-page report Thursday night to the General Assembly that “Israel followed up on every allegation.”
The report says Israel has opened 36 criminal investigations so far and gathered evidence from 100 Palestinians.
An expert U.N. panel said in September both Israel and Palestinian militants committed war crimes during fighting in which 13 Israelis and almost 1,400 Palestinians were killed, including many civilians.
Ban noted a Palestinian commission created last month will spend three months investigating.
In November, the General Assembly raised the possibility of demanding Security Council action if adequate investigations by both sides are not carried out.
