In a scathing report published on Monday, human rights group Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing war crimes by targeting civilian sites in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The investigation revealed that four separate attacks carried out in December and January resulted in the deaths of 95 civilians, including 42 children.

Amnesty International stated that the targeted residential buildings were not lawful military targets and were not used by fighters. The organization raised concerns that these strikes were direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, urging for a thorough investigation into possible war crimes. The report emphasizes that indiscriminate attacks that result in civilian casualties are clear violations of international law.

The human rights group further alleged that Israel did not provide prior warnings or notification to the civilians residing in these buildings. Three of the attacks occurred at night, when families were likely to be asleep, exacerbating the loss of innocent lives.

Rafah, which is currently acting as a major refugee camp for over 1.5 million Palestinians, has become the last so-called safe zone in Gaza. However, it has frequently been targeted by Israeli strikes, leaving residents with no sanctuary.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International's senior director of research, advocacy, policy, and campaigns, expressed her dismay at the situation. She stated that "entire families were wiped out in Israeli attacks even after they sought refuge in areas promoted as safe and with no prior warning from Israeli authorities." Guevara-Rosas also accused Israeli forces of disregarding international law and failing to take adequate precautions to protect civilians.

The report comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to move into Rafah, claiming that Hamas is using the city to hide battalions. The United States has expressed its opposition to such a move and is attempting to broker a negotiated hostage-release deal between Hamas and Israel.

Since October 7, more than 27,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza, with the majority being civilians. Despite efforts by the Biden administration to minimize civilian casualties, a clear call for a ceasefire has yet to be made. Amnesty International called on all states to act and prevent further atrocities, criticizing the supply of arms to Israel by certain nations.

Amnesty International's report was compiled through the analysis of satellite imagery, interviews with survivors and witnesses, and documentation of the rubble at each of the attack sites.

The Hill has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces and the Pentagon for comments on the allegations made by Amnesty International. Additionally, President Biden's decision to provide emergency military aid to Israel, outside of Congress's approval, has garnered criticism from some Democrats.