UN rights chief seeks probe into Gaza deaths

GENEVA, March 3 (Reuters) - United Nations human rights chief Louise Arbour called on Israel on Monday to conduct an "impartial" investigation into the deaths of Palestinians during its offensive in Gaza.

She also condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas militants in Gaza against Israeli civilian targets. Israel says its offensive was designed to stop such attacks.

A statement from Arbour's office said that while she recognised Israel's right to defend itself, "she condemned the Israeli Defence Force's disproportionate use of force".

She called on Israel "to conduct impartial investigations into the killings of civilians" in the military operation, "make the results public and hold any perpetrators accountable", the statement added.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says 116 people have been killed in the offensive, and militant groups in Gaza say about half of them were civilians.

Quoting Arbour, a former Canadian Supreme Court judge and U.N. war crimes prosecutor, the statement also said the rocket attacks from Gaza "are in clear violation of international humanitarian law".

"Those responsible must be held to account," she added.

Israeli troops pulled out of the Gaza Strip on Monday after a U.S. appeal to end days of fighting, but Israel said its offensive could resume if Hamas rocket attacks continue. (Reporting by Robert Evans; Editing by Jonathan Lynn and Caroline Drees)