Gaza 'to stay under Israeli rule'

Palestinian movement outside Gaza will remain restricted

International law will continue to view Israel as an occupying force in Gaza, even after its planned withdrawal, says a United Nations human-rights envoy.

John Dugard said Israel would remain responsible for Palestinian civilians in the territory, as it planned to retain control of Gaza's borders.

Mr Dugard's annual report to the UN also suggested Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes was a war crime.

Israel argues that its demolition policy deters suicide bombers.

The Jewish state has previously accused Mr Dugard of bias.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon plans to withdraw soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip while maintaining overall control of the territory's land, sea and air borders.

'Echoes of apartheid'

Mr Dugard, a South African law professor who serves as the UN's special rapporteur for human rights in the region, said Israel would remain responsible for the welfare of Palestinian civilians because it does not intend to "relinquish its grasp on Gaza Strip".

He also said Israel's policy of responding to militant attacks by destroying Palestinian homes was a form of punishment forbidden under the Geneva Convention.

"It is difficult to resist the conclusion that punitive house demolitions constitute serious war crimes," he said in the report.

His findings echo those of Israeli rights group B'Tselem, which claimed in November that 12 innocent Palestinians lost their homes for every one person suspected of taking part in attacks on Israel.

Mr Dugard also spoke out against the barrier Israel has built along the West Bank, which it says is a defence against infiltration by suicide bombers. Palestinians regard it as a land grab.

"The restrictions on freedom of movement imposed by the Israeli authorities on Palestinians resemble the notorious 'pass laws' of apartheid South Africa," he said.