UN report slams Israel’s conduct during Gaza war

A UN inquiry has accused Israel of gross negligence and recklessness during the Gaza war earlier this year.

The report, commissioned by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, found Israel’s military guilty of deaths and injuries in seven out of nine incidents against UN property where people were sheltering.

But while seeking compensation, Ban said he would not follow a recommendation for further investigations.

‘‘I decided to summarise, respecting the full integrity of this report and conclusions.’‘

Ban added, ‘‘About another question about compensation, now I intend to seek reparation or reimbursement of loss and damage incurred by the United Nations.’‘

Israel has rejected the hugely critical report as biased saying it ignores the fact it was fighting against Hamas, which it describes as a terrorist organisation.

While Israel claims it was responding to Palestinian militant fire, the inquiry blamed the Israeli army among the incidents for an attack on a UN supply compound and a school in Jabalia where an estimated 30 to 40 people were killed.

Israel was also heavily criticised for its use of white phosphorus during the war.

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tags: Israel, United Nations