A UN fact-finding mission accuses both Israel and Hamas militants of committing war crimes during the late 2008 war in Gaza. The report, which has just been submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, calls for both parties to conduct a credible investigation into alleged violations within the next six months or risk having the situation turned over to the International Criminal Court. Fact-finding mission head Justice Richard Goldstone criticized Israel for not cooperating with the mission and strongly rejected accusations that the investigation was politically motivated. He said Israeli forces in several instances launched direct attacks against civilians with lethal consequences when there was no military objective or advantage that could justify the attacks. (VOA)
