United Nations, March 24, SPA -- Israeli soldiers routinely and intentionally put children in harm's way during their 22-day offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza, according to a United Nations report made public Monday. The 43-page report said a working group had documented and verified reports of violations "too numerous to list." Of the 1,453 people estimated killed in the conflict, 1,440 were Palestinians, including 431 children and 114 women, the report said. The 13 Israelis killed included three civilians and six soldiers killed by Hamas group fighters, and four soldiers killed by friendly fire, it was quoted as saying by CNN. The report said the Israeli operation resulted in "a dramatic deterioration of the living conditions of the civilian population." It cited "targeted and indiscriminate" attacks on hospitals and clinics, water and sewage treatment facilities, government buildings, utilities and farming and said the offensive "intensified the already catastrophic humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people." It said Israeli strikes damaged more than 200 schools and left more than 70,000 people homeless. "There are strong and credible reports of war crimes and other violations of international norms," it said, adding that many observers have said war crimes investigations should be undertaken. It called for the end of Israel's blockade of Gaza and the free passage into the territory of food, medicine, fuel and construction supplies.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/647467