UN hints at war crimes in Lebanon

Finally, the UN talks about holding war criminals to account:

GENEVA, July 19 (REUTERS) - The scale of killing and maiming of civilians in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza could constitute war crimes, the United Nations human rights chief said on Wednesday.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said international humanitarian law was clear on the need to protect non-combatants in any conflict. "This obligation is also expressed in international criminal law, which defines war crimes and crimes against humanity," she said.

"The scale of the killings in the region, and their predictability, could engage the personal criminal responsibility of those involved, particularly those in a position of command and control," she said, without directly accusing anyone.

Would have liked to see a stronger and more specific statement, but it's a beginning. If Israel is not held accountable it will be able to do this again and again with impunity.

Here are Commissioner Arbour's statement and a previous one in which she says "the destruction of Gaza's electricity power station may be a violation of international humanitarian law."