Letter: Respect for Sayeeda

I believe that the people of Israel have a right to self defence, just like any other nation, but Israel’s response to terrorist rocket attacks is totally disproportionate, to the point of being immoral. It is not just in terms of material/ collateral damage or head-count, but on the type of victims, the majority of whom were not military or administrative personnel, but innocent men, women and children, simply trying to shelter from the madness in places that should be safe, especially when the UN has provided supposedly “safe haven”. Those people have human rights, but they are being totally disregarded because the leaders in Israel think that they will get away with it.

With regard to our own Government’s and particularly that of America’s lack of action: why on earth is America replenishing Israel’s weapons, knowing they will probably be fired on innocent civilians, “accidentally” or otherwise? America has the power to say that if there is a repeat of bombing schools or other places where children are seeking shelter, there will be no arms supply. It would be a very strong message, but it won’t happen though. The weak politicians, those with agendas and the many lobbyists will see to that.

There is no quick-fix solution to the middle East’s problems, but America, the UK and other powers could, through the UN, band together and force both sides to at least maintain a status quo, then get around a table and work together. As Churchill said: “Jaw, Jaw, not war, war.” It is the only way.

Andrew Hutchinson

Former Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury and Mirfield

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