In Geneva, Judge Richard Goldstone presents the full text of his report into Israel’s ‘Cast Lead’ operation. Accusations that both sides deliberately targeted civilians are reconfirmed. UN panel chairman says a “culture of impunity” prevails in the region; this undermines peace and “fosters violence”.

  Geneva (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The UN human rights watchdog is debating a report on war crimes committed by Israel and Hams during Israel’s ‘Cast Lead’ operation. The report by Judge Richard Goldstone was welcomed by human rights groups, but harshly criticised by both Israeli and Palestinian leaders and met by an embarrassed US government.  

Israel is criticised in the 574-report for the deliberate and disproportionate use of force and violence against the population. Hamas fighters are blamed for launching the mortar attacks that set of the offensive.  Both sides are accused of causing civilian casualties during the 22-day conflict.

Hamas and Israel reject the charges. Israel refused to co-operate with Goldstone’s investigation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked the UN report before the General Assembly for “falsely equating terrorists with those they targeted.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Aharon Leshno-Yaar reaffirmed Israel’s condemnation by describing the Gladstone report “shameful”.

Michael Posner, US assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor called the report “deeply flawed”. He added that the United States would back a resolution that "encourages Israel to investigate and address allegations in the report thoroughly through credible domestic processes."

Human rights groups lauded the four-member panel led by judge Goldstone and criticised Israelis and Palestinians. They also accused the European Union and the United States of failing to endorse the report, and taking instead hypocritical positions.

“The Obama administration cannot demand accountability for serious violations in places like Sudan and Congo but let allies like Israel go free,” Sarah Leah Whitson, of Human Rights Watch, said.

In his report, judge Goldstone also points the finger at the “culture of Impunity” that prevails in the region. “The lack of accountability for war crimes and possible crimes against humanity has reached a crisis point; the ongoing lack of justice is undermining any hope for a successful peace process and reinforcing an environment that fosters violence.”

“Time and again,” he said, “experience has taught us that overlooking justice only leads to increased conflict and violence.”

The report urged the UN Security Council to refer allegations to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if either side failed to investigate and prosecute suspects.

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