Goldstone Defends Investigation, Hamas

In an interview with CNN, South African jurist Richard Goldstone defended his investigation into Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip and insisted that there was no evidence that Hamas fired weapons from civilian areas. Goldstone said Israeli forces intentionally fired at civilian sites, although it was not done so as “a matter of policy.” He also expressed satisfaction at news that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyhau has established an investigatory body to probe allegations made by the Goldstone Commission. Netanyahu reiterated his warning first delivered in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly last week when he said that Israel cannot take risks for peace if the international community is not supporting its ability to defend itself.