A group of United Nations experts has criticized Israel and Hamas for failing to conduct serious probes into alleged war crimes last year in the Gaza Strip. The fact-finding mission of Justice Richard Goldstone last year recommended that the sides conduct independent investigations into his report, which charged that war crimes may have taken place during the 2008-2009 conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Addressing Israel's reaction to the findings of the Goldstone report, the panel blamed Israel Tuesday of only investigating low-ranking officials, adding that the inquiries didn't meet standards of impartiality.
Officials at Israel's mission to the UN in Geneva declined immediately to comment.
On Hamas, the experts said an inquiry by the Islamist group "made no serious effort" to address allegations leveled against the Palestinian militant group in the Goldstone report.
Earlier this year, the Human Rights Council voted to establish a committee to monitor investigations by Israel and the Palestinians into allegations of human rights violations and war crimes.
This is the end. The final blood-soaked chapter of the genocide. It will be over soon....
