While I condemned Hamas' indiscriminate rocket attacks, I have also opposed Israel's economic blockade of Gaza which amounts to collective punishment and Israel's use of excessive force in Gaza which caused the deaths of many civilians. Up to 1,387 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed in the fighting last December and January.

South African jurist Richard Goldstone's investigation found evidence that both Israel and Palestinian militant groups committed war crimes. Judge Goldstone, who is widely respected and was once the lead prosecutor for war crimes in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, has recommended that both sides undertake credible investigations or face possible war crimes proceedings at The Hague.

The Obama administration has criticized some of Judge Goldstone's conclusions, but it has also urged the parties to conduct their own investigations and to punish those responsible for violations. While both sides contributed to this crisis, I believe strongly that those who violated the laws of war should be held accountable.

Again, thank you for contacting me.

PATRICK
LEAHY

United States Senator

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