Time to talk

Paul Scott (Letters, 25 July) 
accurately describes the total mismatch in the relative military capabilities of Israel and Palestine in the current 
conflict, one with seemingly limitless state-of-the-art weaponry, and the other with only “home-made rockets”.

This must surely make us wonder at the wisdom of Hamas in pulling the tiger’s tail as they antagonise their powerful neighbour.

As long as they keep
firing rockets into Israel they can
expect swift and ruthless
retaliation, as we have seen. They may seek to claim the moral
high ground in the eyes of the international community but are paying dearly for this with the lives of their civilians.

No action will be taken against Israel, arguably the most powerful country in the world, as it is the only one to which the USA defers, as long as it is engaged in military action
“defending its borders”, so it is up to Hamas to end this senseless loss of life by declaring a ceasefire and expressing willingness to discuss a solution.

Only then will we see any
involvement of the USA and UN.

Walter J Allan

Colinton Mains Drive

Edinburgh

I agree with Paul Scott that Israel’s use of “grossly disproportionate force against the
Palestinian people” is a shameful crime.

Equally shameful is the practical and moral support of the United States and the United Kingdom for the Israeli state’s
actions.

Until Israel and its Western backers recognise the need for a strategy based on justice for the Palestinians in Gaza and on the West Bank after 66 years the people of Israel shall know no lasting peace.

John Milne

Ardgowan Drive

Uddingston