Stalling the Investigation into the Gaza War

Last month Richard Goldstone issued his report to the UN Human Rights Council on the war in Gaza. He accused both sides of committing war crimes and urged that the report be sent to the Security Council for action. However, when the Human Rights Council considered the report, the PLO representative urged the Council to wait six months before doing anything. Since Hamas and not Fatah was the main Palestinian culprit named by Goldstone, it's surprising that a postponement was requested by Fatah.

Helena Cobban, who is a pretty astute observer, reports on two rumors circulating in Palestine as to why Abbas and Fatah may want to go slow with any action on the Goldstone report:

• Israel has offered money to a Palestinian company that is tight with Fatah and wants to start a cell-phone service.
• There are tapes clearly showing Abbas urging Israel to continue its attack on Gaza.

Some substantiation of the above allegations can be found in the silence of Fatah spokespersons with regard to the attacks as they occurred and the suppression of anti-war demonstrations.