UN: Israel's assaults on Gaza may be war crimes

Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip could amount to war crimes, UN rights chief Navi Pillay said, as Israel continued pounding Gaza for a 16th day.

Pillay on Wednesday has also condemned indiscriminate rocket attacks by Palestinian fighters Hamas.

"There seems to be a strong possibility that international law has been violated, in a manner that could amount to war crimes," Pillay told an emergency session on Israel's Gaza offensive at the UN Human Rights Council, citing attacks that have killed Palestinian civilians, including children.

Pillay said the killing of civilians in Gaza, especially children, raises concerns over Israel’s precautions and respect for proportionality.

Israeli assault’s on Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 648 Palestinians, including dozens of children. More than 4,000 people have been injured.

The number of Israelis who died from fighting with Palestinian fighters has climbed to 31, including 29 soldiers and two civilians. One other soldier remains missing, but is presumed dead, according to the Israeli army.

Pillay said Israeli children and other civilians also had a right to live without constant fear of rocket attacks.

"Once again, the principles of distinction and precaution are clearly not being observed during such indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups," she said. more

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