Israeli military opens inquiry into Gaza air strike that killed 24

The Israeli military says it has opened an internal criminal investigation into one of the deadliest air strikes of the conflict in Gaza.

At least 24 members of the Abu Jamea family were killed in the strike on their home on July 20th, 2014 .

The victims included 18 children between the ages of six months and nine, according to death certificates obtained by reporters.

The apparent target was a local Hamas military commander.

The Israeli military said there was “reasonable suspicion” in this case of a deviation from army procedure. The incident is among eight new investigations announced by the army.

Israeli human rights groups have demanded that the investigation be independent, saying the army is not equipped to investigate itself.

PA