An Arab League official says a league mission is headed to the Gaza Strip to investigate allegations that Israel committed war crimes during its offensive. League spokesman Hisham Youssef says the mission will prepare a detailed report for league head Amr Moussa ``and take the necessary legal procedures.'
Critics have accused Israel of using disproportionate force and failing to protect civilians during its three-week offensive, which ended January 18. Israel launched the war in an effort to halt rocket attacks from Gaza on southern Israel. It says it acted in self-defence. Youssef said another league mission leaving for Gaza on Saturday will be accompanied by a second committee that will assess the aid needed to rebuild Gaza.