Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel of war crimes in a sprawling new report that argues the Israeli military has forcibly displaced the Palestinian people in Gaza during the 13-month war against Hamas.

The 154-page report, released Thursday, examined the displacement of 90 percent of the Palestinian population in Gaza, or more than 1.9 million people. It faulted Israel for "multiple acts of forced displacement" that it said were systematic and widespread and "carried out with intent."

HRW noted that the forcible displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime.

Nadia Hardman, refugee and migrant rights researcher at the organization, said Israel "cannot claim to be keeping Palestinians safe when it kills them along escape routes, bombs so-called safe zones, and cuts off food, water, and sanitation."

"Israel has blatantly violated its obligation to ensure Palestinians can return home, razing virtually everything in large areas," Hardman said in a statement.

© The Hill