EU: Support UN probe into violations of international law during Gaza conflict
(Brussels, 27 April) As EU Foreign Ministers meet in Luxembourg, Amnesty International urges them to use this opportunity to send a strong signal of support to the UN Human Rights Council’s fact-finding mission, headed by Judge Richard Goldstone, which is tasked with investigating violations of international law by both parties during the conflict in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.
In a letter addressed to EU Foreign Ministers (available here) Amnesty International once again called on the EU to consistently apply its own Guidelines and press for a full investigation and accountability for violations of international law including war crimes.
“The EU must not side-step this issue. Long-term peace and security cannot be found in the Middle East unless accountability is established for crimes under international law and the cycle of impunity for serious violations perpetrated by all parties is stopped” said Nicolas Beger, Director of Amnesty International’s EU Office.
Amnesty International carried out a mission to southern Israel and Gaza during and after the conflict. The organization’s researchers have documented serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes. Civilians in southern Israel came under indiscriminate rocket attacks from Palestinian armed groups. Civilians in Gaza were killed, injured and made homeless in indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks.
“There is no excuse for further delay, the EU should publicly support the UN investigation and demand the cooperation of all parties, just as it has for other conflicts” said Beger.
| |