The International Criminal Court is analysing evidence of alleged war crimes in the fighting between Georgia and Russia, the prosecutor for the tribunal in The Hague said on Wednesday.

Reported attacks on civilians include the 14-hour bombardment of the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, and Russian military attacks on the Georgian city of Gori, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said.

The groups warned Russian and Georgian forces that attacks targeting civilians could constitute war crimes.

Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said he has met with Russian and Georgian representatives and is examining evidence.

"My office considers carefully all information relating to alleged crimes within its jurisdiction regardless of the individuals or groups alleged to have committed the crimes," he said in a statement.

The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction in cases where authorities in member states are unwilling or unable to prosecute.

Georgia is a member; war crimes on its territory - committed by either side - could fall within the court's
jurisdiction.

The UN Security Council can also refer cases to the court.

Ocampo said his office has been monitoring Georgia since the outbreak of violence in early August.