Israel will reduce civilian casualties

JERUSALEM, July 21 (UPI) -- Israel will try to reduce civilian casualties after criticism in the United Nations' Goldstone Report on Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, the foreign ministry says.

The plans are outlined in a 37-page document delivered to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, The Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday.

Entitled "Gaza Operation Investigations: Second Update," the Israeli government report outlines several new initiatives designed to reduce civilian casualties and minimize property damage in any future Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. The Palestinian News Network says approximately 1,400 Gazans and 13 Israelis were killed during the fighting. Property damage was estimated at $2 billion.

Among the initiatives, Israel said it would restrict the use of white phosphorous and add a humanitarian affairs officer to each combat unit, the report said.

Israeli Defense Forces would operate under new regulations concerning the destruction of private property.

The report also outlined the numerous criminal investigations Israel is conducting into specific incidents relating to Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in December 2008.