U.N. Human Rights Investigator Accuses Israel of War Crimes

Richard Falk, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, writes in his annual report that Israeli actions during the recent offensive in Gaza constitute war crimes. Falk, who was denied entry to the region by Israel, says Hamas’ human rights record should also be investigated.

Our own Chris Hedges spoke to Falk shortly after his expulsion from Israel. Before the offensive, the rapporteur called Israel’s blockade of Gaza a “crime against humanity.” Read the column here.

Reuters:

Richard Falk, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, said the Geneva Conventions required warring forces to distinguish between military targets and surrounding civilians.

“If it is not possible to do so, then launching the attacks is inherently unlawful and would seem to constitute a war crime of the greatest magnitude under international law,” Falk said.

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Flickr / Amir Farshad Ebrahimi