Who is Goldstone?
Goldstone was chief prosecutor of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. He also served as a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Goldstone, who is Jewish, says it came as a shock to him when he was invited by the president of the UN Human Rights Council to head this mission. “I have taken a deep interest in Israel and what happens in Israel and I have been associated with organizations that have worked in Israel,” he said. “But, having said that, I believe that I can approach the daunting task that I have accepted in an even-handed and impartial manner and give it the same attention that I have to situations in my own country where perhaps similar considerations may have been taken into account.” UN backs nominee The president of the UN Council stood by his nominee, calling his pedigree very distinguished. For his part, Goldstone says the mission will examine the context and consequences of the military action in Gaza. H
