The Israeli army engaged in acts of ‘wanton destruction’ against Palestinian civilians during its offensive in the Gaza Strip in December and January, says Amnesty International. In a 117-page report about the 22-day fighting, the humanitarian organization also states that the firing of rockets by Hamas militants against Israel constituted ‘war crimes.’ The report is entitled Operation ‘Cast Lead’: 22 Days of Death and Destruction.

The death toll from the Palestinian side is 1,400 casualties, including 300 children. Amnesty claims to have found no evidence that civilians were deliberately used by Hamas fighters as human shields, as claimed by the Israeli army.

“Most of the destruction was deliberate and free. They have been conducted in circumstances which confirm that they were not justified by military necessity,” said Amnesty in its report.

Israel defended its military by saying that the army had acted in accordance with international regulations during ‘Operation Cast Lead.’ The country accused the authors of the report of ignoring ‘the efforts made by the IDF to minimize the damage to noncombatants.’

“In many cases, the Israeli Defense Forces have exercised caution, including warning the civilian population before an attack. Israeli forces have directed their attacks only against military targets.” says the IDF.

An investigation by the Israeli military had found no crimes while Israel refused to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the UN.

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Via Amnesty International/BBC