Former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, is set to lead a United Nations Human Rights Council fact-finding mission into Israeli military operations in Gaza. The mission was established following the killings of 19 Palestinian civilians in the town of Beit Hanoun in early November.

With abundant experience in similar work, Tutu previously chaired the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was established in 1995. Archbishop Tutu is well-known across the globe as one of the most prominent figures to fight apartheid in South Africa.

Following the attack on Beit Hanoun, Israel has released a full apology, saying that the horrific attack was simply the result of a technical error.

The UN mission will be sent to Beit Hanoun as one of its tasks in its operation in the region, commissioned by a resolution adopted by the Council on 15 November.

The mission will "assess the situation of victims, address the needs of survivors, and make recommendations on ways and means to protect Palestinian civilians against further Israeli assaults," the UN has said.

A progress report will be submitted for discussion by the Council no later than mid-December.

The 15 November special session expressed grave concern "at the continued violation by the occupying Power, Israel, of the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian territory" and described the military attacks as "a collective punishment of the civilians".

At the time of the Beit Hanoun attack on 8 November, Secretary-General Kofi Annan voiced his shock but took note of the reported announcement by the Israeli government of a full investigation into the incident and said he looked forward to its early results.

The UN General Assembly has also set up a fact-finding commission to investigate the killings.