A spokesman for the Israeli government has dismissed claims of victory by Gaza rulers Hamas.

Mark Regev insists Hamas was dealt a heavy blow in the operation. Hamas says 48 of its fighters died - its first statement on losses. The number is far below the hundreds of militants Israel claimed it had killed

It is impossible to verify the figures. Thousands of Gazans have been made homeless, forced to flee as Israeli warplanes shelled their homes. Around 50-thousand Gazans sought refuge in United Nations compounds and schools converted into shelters throughout the operation.

(CCTV January 20, 2009)