Arab League to probe Gaza war crimes allegations

An Arab League official said on Saturday that a league mission was to head to the Gaza Strip to investigate allegations that Israel committed war crimes during its offensive. League spokesman Hisham Youssef said that the mission would prepare a detailed report for league head Amr Moussa "and take the necessary legal procedures." Critics have accused Israel of using disproportionate force and failing to protect civilians during its three-week offensive, which ended Jan. 18. Youssef said another league mission leaving for Gaza on Saturday would be accompanied by a second committee that would assess the aid needed to rebuild Gaza.