JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The Israeli military on Monday rejected allegations that its soldiers committed atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel says the majority of Palestinians killed during "Operation Cast Lead" were "terror operatives." The conclusion follows a military police investigation into claims made at a conference that the army had intentionally killed civilians and damaged property during Israel's incursion into Gaza in December and January. Israeli military advocate general Brig. Gen. Avichai Mendelblit concluded "the stories told were purposely exaggerated and made extreme, in order to make a point with the participants of the conference." The allegations were "based on hearsay " and were "not supported by the facts as determined by the investigation," Mendelblit said in a statement.
@highlight
Israeli rights groups angry at speed of military probe into abuse claims
@highlight
Israeli military rejects allegations of atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza
@highlight
Military advocate general: "the stories told were purposely exaggerated"
@highlight
About 1,300 Palestinians died during the Israeli military offensive
There have been numerous allegations of @placeholder atrocities during the three-week campaign, including the charge that Israel fired white phosphorus shells "repeatedly over densely populated areas."