A UN fact-finding mission concludes that both the Israeli army and Palestinian militants committed war crimes during the December-January Gaza war. However, Israel is rejecting the report and Peter Koveos tells us why.

Both Israeli and Palestinian forces are blamed for " war crimes" during the conflict between December 27th, 2008 to Janunary the 18th, 2009.

The UN, Palestinians and human rights groups accuse the Israeli troops of committing war crimes in the operation. Charges include attacks on UN facilities, medical personnel and buildings, innocent by-standers and civilian infrastructure and the use of weaponry containing phosphorus.

The UN report lays the same charges to Palestinian militant groups, which fired rockets into Israel.

The report calls for both sides to conduct their own internal investigations.

Richard Goldstone, Chief UN fact Finding Mission on Gaza Conflict, said, "I would suggest the efforts by Israel to investigate the alleged violations of international law have been pusillanimous. And on the other side there has been a complete absence of investigation by the Gaza authorities in an attempt or stop the unlawful attacks by rockets and mortars fired into southern Israel."

The nearly 600-page report was released ahead of its presentation to the UN Human Rights Council later this month.

Israel quickly reacted by rejecting the report's conclusion, insisting Israel does not violate international laws. Despite that claim, the Israeli military is currently examining approximately 100 complaints made by various groups, regarding the conduct of its forces during the Gaza operation.

(CCTV September 16, 2009)