Human rights groups report from the field
Israeli human rights groups have launched a blog supplying ongoing updates about the harm caused to civilians as part of the fighting in the Gaza Strip and Southern Israel.

Testimony: Soldiers killed and wounded dozens from one extended family
On 4.1.09, soldiers ordered the extended a-Samuni family to gather in one building. The next morning, as some members tried to leave the building, it was shelled and dozens were killed and injured

Testimony: Abu Dahruj family flees from bombing
On 3 January, naval ships and tanks bombed a-Dawaida, in central Gaza Strip, forcing the Abu Dahruj family to flee their home.

Testimony: Family trapped in house that was shelled
The al-'Ayadi family lives in an agricultural area in which a number of families reside. When the hostilities began, the family gathered in one house. On Saturday night, the house was shelled. Since then, the family, eight of whom were lightly injured in the shelling, has been staying in a structure in the yard.

Testimony: Parents and two toddlers flee from place to place
The family, parents and their two infant children, flee again and again from the bombing and shelling, unable to find a safe place.

Testimony: Family flees from threat of bombing
On 1 January, the residential area in which the Abu al-Haj family lives, in al-Maghraqeh, Gaza Strip, was bombed. The family fled from their home, taking nothing with them, and found refuge in a school in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Wounded Gazans trapped in shelled buildings
B'Tselem has received a report that several wounded Palestinians are currently trapped in buildings shelled on Saturday night by the army, together with the bodies of their relatives.

Mother and daughter killed by tank fire when fleeing from their house
On 4 January, the army shelled an agricultural area in which a number of families lived. Families tried to flee from their home, waving a white sheet. A shell fired at them killed Salameh and Majda Abu Hajaj, mother and daughter.