IDF to hold criminal probes into deadly strikes on UN school, Gaza beach
14 killed in strike on UNRWA school, week after four children died in beach attack; Ban also announces UN probe into incidents, will cover Hamas use of UNRWA schools to store rockets.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry into IDF attacks on UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees) schools and children on a beach during Operation Protective Edge, a process already begun by the Israeli army.
The Chief Military Advocate General, Major General Danny Efroni, has announced the opening of a criminal investigation into the July 24 attack on a school in northern Gaza belonging to the UN agency, in which 14 Palestinians were killed, and an attack on a beach in Gaza eight days earlier, in which four children were killed.
Special inspection teams from the Military Advocate General's office have already begun investigating 44 events that took place during the 50-day operation, in which the IDF is accused of illegally striking innocent bystanders; in addition, another 55 cases will be investigated in the coming weeks. Out of the initial 44 cases, Efroni has so far made a decision on 12 events, and has ordered criminal investigations into the attacks on the UNRWA school and the children on the beach.
Criminal investigations have also been opened into three other incidents: looting by a Golani soldier in Saja'iyya; suspected violence against a Palestinian held by soldiers for several days; and the death of a Palestinian woman who was shot as she left her home. Seven of the 12 cases were closed, while the others are still being decided upon.
Ban told the Arabic-language news outlet Al-Hayat on Wednesday morning that he would establish a commission of inquiry into attacks on UNRWA schools and the deaths of UNRWA employees in Gaza, which would operate independently of a commission set up by the Human Rights Council to investigate violations committed during the operation.
According to Ban, there is a need to investigate deaths and injuries of UN staff and the destruction of their facilities, and prosecute those responsible no matter what. He also told Al-Hayat that there is a need to investigate the use of UNRWA schools as weapons storage facilities by Hamas and other Palestinian factions. Ban said that he has discussed the matter with Israel and will continue to do so.
'Israel would disapprove of Spider-Man'
Meanwhile, the head of the Human Rights Council's investigation, William Schabas, has rejected calls for his resignation, and denied allegations that he hates Israel.
Speaking to the London-based pan-Arab Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, Schabas said that while he had come under fierce criticism from Israel, he believed the criticism stemmed from sources who were opposed to both the council and the commission.
He did not take the criticism personally, Schabas said, adding that Israel would not even be happy even if Spider-Man had been appointed to lead the commission.
