The UN has finally appointed a war-crimes team to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by the IDF in Gaza. In a strategic move they have appointed Richard Goldstone to head the team. Goldstone is a former UN chief prosecutor for war crimes in Yugoslavia and Rwanda. He is also a former judge at the South African constitutional court. He is also on the board of governors at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Mr Goldstone said he was "shocked, as a Jew", to be invited to head the mission. His appointment may help undermine accusations of bias and ensure impartiality.
Here is the BBC Report:
The UN has appointed South African judge and former war crimes prosecutor Richard Goldstone to lead a fact-finding mission to the Gaza Strip.
Mr Goldstone will investigate alleged violations of international law during the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.
Martin Uhomoibhi, president of the UN Human Rights Council, said the mission would be independent and impartial.
Israel calls the council biased and has previously refused to co-operate.
Mr Goldstone will lead a four-member team, which also includes experts from Pakistan, Britain, and Ireland, in investigating "all violations of international humanitarian law" before, during and after the Israeli campaign in Gaza that ended on 18 January.
"It's in the interest of the victims. It brings acknowledgment of what happened to them. It can assist the healing process," Mr Goldstone said.
"I would hope it's in the interests of all the political actors, too."
The fact-finding mission, which will aim to provide clarity on the legality of the deaths and destruction, is due to start work in the region within weeks, the UN said.
Read more of the BBC report here.James Jennings, Ph.D, and Leonard Rodgers, both members of Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding, would welcome lending testimony to the United Nations fact finding team being formed by the newly appointed U.N. war crimes prosecutor from South Africa, Richard Goldstone, investigating possible war crimes by both parties to the Gaza conflict based on our first hand observations of the war.
Signed: Leonard Rodgers, Executive Director, Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding and James Jennings, EMEU Advisory Board.
See also:
Zionists Attack UNWRA the UN Relief Agency
War Crimes: Israel accused of indiscriminate phosphorous bombs
War Crimes: Israel used human shields in Gaza war
Israelis told to fight 'holy war' in Gaza
Gaza: How long before a War Crimes Investigation?
Al-Haq report on Israeli War Crimes in Gaza
Attack against Red Cross coordinator in Gaza
The Geneva Conventions: the core of international law
