(Communicated by the MDA Spokesperson)

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Magen David Adom (MDA) Director General Eli Bin, senior MDA officials and a delegation of residents of communities in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip, several of whom are MDA volunteers, today (Wednesday, 6 August 2014), at the MDA station in Ashdod, met with International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer.

The residents discussed their fears and concerns, stemming from the threat of rockets or terrorist attacks, during Operation Protective Edge. MDA International Dept. Director Yoni Yagodovsky briefed ICRC President Maurer on MDA's work during the operation including efforts to transport chronically ill residents of the Gaza Strip to treatment in Israel. "To our regret, in the Gaza Strip, they agreed to transfer only five patients despite our offers to help," Yagodovsky said.

Justice Minister Livni told ICRC President Maurer, "I know that you have come from Gaza where you were exposed to not easy sights. Israel has Iron Dome but the fact that we have it does not mean that it is possible to live without fear. We sought here to share with you some of the feelings of Israelis who live the threat of missiles and tunnels and to show you our military activity so that you will realize that we are acting in accordance with international law. As a decision-maker, I know that I cannot allow citizens to live with this fear and I respect your desire and intention to offer humanitarian assistance."

Peter Maurer, at the end of his visit declared: “ We are very proud that Magen David Adom is the Israeli branch of the Red Cross, and the citizens of Israel should be proud to have an organization with such an advanced means to handle each situation. “

During the 29 days of Operation Protective Edge, MDA teams treated 648 civilians in the Home Front of Israel, 20 of whom suffered from shrapnel wounds, including 3 who were killed, 5 in a severe condition, 2 moderately injured and 10 lightly wounded as a result of shrapnel wounds.

In addition, MDA teams also treated during Operation "Protective Edge" 12 people who were injured from shattered glass and buildings that had been destroyed, 13 people lightly and moderately injured in road traffic accidents which occurred when the sirens were heard, 123 people who were injured when falling on the way to the shelters and 471 suffering from anxiety attacks.