a un document estimated that 7,721 civilians were killed between august 2008 and 13 may 2009. the panel found that this figure was probably too low because it only included deaths recorded by un observers whereas many deaths may not have been observed, and because the figures only go up to 13 may 2009 whereas the number of deaths would have increased sharply after this date to the intensifying of shelling. many civilians were left where they died, their deaths never registered and their bodies never brought to hospital or buried. the panel concluded that the number of civilian deaths "could easily be several times" that in the un document.