(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)

The Israel Foreign Ministry praised the conclusions of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council (July 22) wtih regard to Operation Protective Edge.

The European Union reinforces its designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization when it strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing of rockets on a civilian population and Hamas' use of civilians as human shields.

The Foreign Ministry likewise praises the European Union's call for the disarmament of the terror organizations in the Gaza Strip of their weapons and the demilitarization of Gaza. These EU statements are completely in line with the perception that guides Israel in the fight against terrorism and they open the door for cooperation in implementing common principles for restoring peace and security.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, who has been in contact with his colleagues, foreign ministers across Europe, prior to the meeting declared that the statement of the EU ministers illustrates that the free world is united against Hamas terrorism and that Israel has the full right to protect itself. FM Liberman also thanked the Foreign Ministry staff for their effective efforts in bringing about these results.