Fact sheet: Operation Cast Lead
IMEU, JAN 4, 2012
This report sets out many facts about Cast Lead, which I shall partially summarize.
A UN-appointed fact finding mission found strong evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel.
According to investigations of human rights groups, between 1,385 and 1,419 Palestinians were killed during Cast Lead, a majority of them civilians. This included at least 308 minors under the age of 18. More than 5000 more were wounded.
3,540 housesc were completely destroyed, and another 2,870 sustained severe damage.
18 schools, including 8 kindergartens, were destroyed. At least 262 others were damaged.
HRW accused the Israeli military of violating the international ban on "wanton destruction" found in the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that 1,419 Palestinians were killed, including 1,167 civilians. They reported more than 5,000 Palestinians wounded, as did the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
B'Tselem reported 1,385 Palestinians killed, including 762 noncombatants, and 318 minors under the age of 18.
The Goldstone Report documented 36 cases of Israeli forces allegedly violated international laws during the Gaza offensive.
Amnesty and HRW issued reports documenting numerous allegations of war crimes by Israel.
IMEU: Fact sheet: Operation Cast Lead