Of the Israeli allegation that his report served as an encouragement to militancy and dealt a blow to the international struggle against terrorism, he said: 'I disagree completely. We've said in various clear terms that the rockets from Gaza, the Hamas rockets, are, constitute very serious war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity, so I think we've said in very round terms that we're against that sort of activity.'

He urged Israel to launch an independent inquiry into alleged crimes committed by its forces in Gaza, so as to make international action to bring those responsible to justice unnecessary.

'My first wish and hope is that there'll be open and full inquiries in Israel,' adding that Israel had proved in the past that it was capable of doing so.

'It's a matter of political will and that would and should avoid any international court involved.'

Israel launched the offensive, which last 22 days, on Dec 27 in a bid to curb near-daily rocket and mortar shells from Gaza at its southern towns and villages.

Human rights groups say some 1,400 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed in the massive Israeli bombardments and in ground fighting. Thirteen Israelis were also killed.