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Summary
The General Assembly demanded credible Israeli and Palestinian investigations into UN allegations of war crimes in last year's Gaza war, reflecting concerns that the probes so far have fallen short.The United Nations' 192-nation assembly of member states approved the non-binding Arab-drafted resolution with 98 votes in favor, seven against and 31 abstentions. Some 56 nations did not participate in the vote. The resolution calls for investigations that are independent, credible and in conformity with international standards into charges raised in a UN report last September by a panel headed by South African jurist Richard Goldstone. The Goldstone report said the Israeli army and Palestinian militants committed war crimes during the conflict from late December 2008 to mid-January 2009, but focused more on Israel. Unlike an earlier resolution the assembly adopted in November 2009, Friday's resolution set no deadline for the completion of the investigations. It did, however, request a report on Israeli and Palestinian compliance with the resolution from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon within five months, adding that further action by various UN bodies could follow. The Palestinian Authority's permanent observer to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, criticized Israel and called for action. The United States, along with Canada, Nauru, Panama, Macedonia and Micronesia joined Israel in voting against the resolution. More than 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis died after Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in Gaza to try to end Hamas rocket fire against its cities. Critics charged that Israel used excessive and indiscriminate firepower but Israel blamed the militants for hiding among civilians.
