European Parliament backs Goldstone report

Friday, March 12, 2010 | by

In a move likely to worsen EU ties with Israel, the European Parliament has urged its 27 member states to monitor the Israeli and Palestinian probes into alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The parliament March 10 also called on Israel to immediately open border crossings with the Gaza Strip, saying its blockade is worsening the humanitarian crisis there.
The resolution backed the findings of a U.N.-appointed expert panel chaired by South African Judge Richard Goldstone, which concluded that both sides committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity during the war that began in December 2008 and ended in January 2009.
The European Parliament measure, passed by 335-287, move would give the EU an unprecedented role in evaluating the progress of Israel’s war crimes probe — and it was sharply criticized by Israel.
“We find this resolution flawed and counterproductive,” said Yoel Mester, spokesman for Israeli mission to EU. “While other players are striving to support the peace process and to start the proximity talks between Israel and Palestinians, it is regrettable that the European Parliament chooses to concentrate on a highly controversial issue.” — ap