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July 24, 2014

U.N. Rights Chief: Israel May Be Committing War Crimes 
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Speaking at the United Nations, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi
Pillay said Israel may have committed war crimes in its attacks on
civilians in Gaza. She also renewed calls for Israel to lift the
seven-year blockade that has crippled Gaza's economy and infrastructure.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay: "Respect for the right
to life of civilians, including children, should be a foremost
consideration. Not abiding by these principles may amount to war crimes
and crimes against humanity. The crippling effects of the Israeli
blockade and other measures linked to the Israeli occupation of Gaza
suppress the ability of the people to go about their daily lives and
prevent them from rebuilding their lives and communities after repeated
military operations. I reiterate my numerous calls for this blockade to
be lifted once and for all."

Pillay also condemned rocket fire by Palestinian militants into Israel,
which have so far killed three Israeli civilians.

 

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