In September 2009, the UN Human Rights Council released a report by the Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict. This mission was chaired by Justice Richard Goldstone and therefore came to be known as the Goldstone Report (pdf). The report was critical of the actions of Hamas and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in regards to civilian casualties and made allegations that perhaps both sides were responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. From the outset the report was shrouded in controversy, with some claiming it to be a bold step in even-handedness towards both parties and others claiming it a piece of anti-semitic rhetoric aimed at delegitimizing Israel.
In a recent Washington Post Op-Ed, Reconsidering the Goldstone Report on Israel and war crimes, Justice Goldstone made comments that seem to be a recanting of the position presented in the report. This op-ed is also shrouded in controversy as people attempt to determine its actual meaning, particularly whether it counts as an actual recanting.
Take some time to read the article to determine for yourself. For more information on the Goldstone Report see the UN Human Rights Council page on the Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict.
To learn more about the situation in Gaza check out our page Major Issues: Gaza.
