Washington:
United States has expressed its concern over a UN report that accuses Israel of war crimes during the Gaza conflict.
"I think we do have concerns about the contents of the report. We are beginning to consult with countries represented in the Human Rights Council and to talk about what to do in light of the report," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, P J Crowley said.
Noting that the US is still in the process of studying the 600-page report and is in the process to review it, he said, "I think from our standpoint, let's remember the underlying causes of the tragedy in Gaza early this year, which was the lack of a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians."
The UN report on Gaza conflict - from December 2008 to January 2009 - was presented early this week by South African Judge Richard Goldstone.
"I think we should be cautious at this point that the report should not be used as a mechanism to add impediments to getting back to the peace process," he said.
"It would be a sad irony if this report that is designed to protect human rights gets in the way of the process that we believe will benefit all in the region and ultimately lead to greater and deeper human rights in the Middle East," Crowley said.