The United Nations Human Rights Council said it will hold an inquiry to determine if Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip resulted in war crimes against Palestinians, but the decision earned the dismay of Israeli leaders.

International concerns had been raised over Israel's war tactics directed against Palestinians forced the U.N. to conduct an inquiry. It appointed William Schabas, a Canadia academic and expert of international criminal and human rights law, to head the inquiry.

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However, the Israeli leadership was not happy with the U.N.'s choice and said Schabas is biased against Israel.

More than a year ago, Prof. Schabas made a comment about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said he would be glad to see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cross-examined in the International Criminal Court.

Schabas responded to Israel's accusation of non-objectivity and said in a statement that although he has opinions about Israel’s military operation, his personal views will not matter. He added that he was “recruited for my expertise.”

This is not the first time an inquiry is made to Israel. During the 2008 Gaza conflict, Israel was accused of internationally tartgeting civilians in the Gaza Strip.

In the same breath, Hamas was also accused of possible war crimes. Israel is also preparing for an independent investigation in Gaza, citing possible injustice from “anti-Israeli” Prof. Schabas. Reports said that Israeli leaders will also conduct their own inquiry.

In fact, the Israeli military has carried out investigations already. The committee’s initial investigations could yield results by Friday, Lt. Col. Eran Shamir-Borer said.

The strategic affairs head Col. Shamir-Borer welcomes NGO’s sending inquiries and complaints. He said that they know the law.

The Hamas’ tactic is to defy the laws of war, he added.

More than 1,900 Palestinians died of the conflict. Majority of this are believed to be civilians as Hamas used them as human shield. The Israeli lost 67 people, three of which were civilians.

TagsUN, United Nations Human Rights Council, Gaza, Israel, Israeli Defense Forces, legal inquiry, Hamas, War Crimes