H.E. Mr. Boaz Modai:

That is not the point. The point is that the results of this usage of civilians as human shields makes the number of casualties among innocent people larger.

I was asked if there was any other way. I think this is something that should be asked of the Palestinians and Hamas. How do we avoid the next cycle of violence? Nobody in his or her right mind would like to have another cycle of that kind. As I mentioned, people on both sides of the border suffered. When it comes to war, those who suffer are the civilians. In any case, this is something we should avoid.

I have given the example already - as soon as Hamas stopped shooting, there was no more fire. This can also happen in the future. The question is whether Hamas is ready to disarm and the Palestinian Authority would be a partner in that regard.

A question has been asked about the assistance Israel gives to the Palestinians. That gives me the opportunity to mention some things that were impossible to get into the media. The mother-in-law of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas commander in Gaza, was treated in an Israeli hospital. I do not know if the ambassador knows that the wife of Mahmoud Abbas was also treated in an Israeli hospital. This was done in good faith because we believe that is our job in the world - we try to save people. A few days after the military operation started, Israel built a field hospital near the Erez crossing. We did not have many patients because people were warned by Hamas not to go to get treatment. There were doctors in place and all of the infrastructure needed was provided, waiting for people to come. We were ready to help and do help. I have already mentioned the thousands of people who crossed the border between Gaza and Israel, many of whom did so in order to receive treatment in Israel. We take our share, although I know it is not enough. The international community will also have to help.