1. We are deeply concerned about the one-sided statement of the Anna Lindh Foundation relating the "Cast Lead" operation. The Foundation was established in order to promote cultural issues in the framework of the Barcelona-Euromed Process and the role of the Foundation is not to discuss or criticize political themes. Moreover, besides the fact that the statement mentioned the injuries of Israeli civilians, it is a one sided statement which presents a biased picture of the reality.

2. The statement disregards the responsibility of Hamas in firing rockets and mortar bombs towards Israel during the last 8 years. The statement ignores the fact that approximately one million residents in Israel are under the rocket threats of Hamas. Moreover, the statement also ignores the fact that Hamas authorities have used and continue to use public institutions like hospitals and universities, as “platforms” to launch rockets towards Israel using Palestinian civilians as human shields.

3. The responsibility of the situation in Gaza and the closure lies on Hamas – it was Hamas who breached the lull agreement and started firing rockets towards Israel, while we continued to display a lot of restraint. The Hamas movement aims to destroy the State of Israel. In parallel to disrupting daily life in Israel, Hamas acts in a cynical way, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Gaza by aiming its terror attacks at crossings and power stations that supplies electricity to Gaza.

4. It is worth mentioning that universities and schools in Israel are closed due to the indiscriminate rocket attacks. Dozens of Israeli students were physically and mentally hurt as a result of Hamas' shelling. Due to the security situation, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev announced the suspension of the studies; students and faculty from the University volunteer to assist the residents of the region.

The Israeli Mission to the EU