Israeli assault rages on
Updated on 05 January 2009
No end to the heavy bombardment of Gaza and the civilian bloodshed, as Israel insists their land assault will continue.
The Israeli government has warned the assault will carry on, as its tanks pushed deeper into Gaza, despite intense diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Palestinians say at least twelve civilians have been killed today, including at least three children.
Israeli forces have effectively split Gaza in two. Gaza City, which has seen some of the fiercest fighting so far, is cut off and surrounded by Israeli troops.
Medical officials say seven members of one family were killed in a strike on their home at the Beach Refugee Camp. A separate blast in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of the city reportedly killed several people.
Reports from Israel say around 20 rockets have been fired from Gaza, landing in and around the towns of Ashkelon, Ashdod and Sderot, although no-one's thought to have been hurt.
James Blake's report contains some distressing images from Gaza:
Analysis: Jonathan Rugman
Israel has banned international journalists from entering Gaza. Our diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Rugman is at the border and describes the latest situation.
