It’s alleged the current conflict is Israel’s fault because its police entered Al-Aqsa Mosque to arrest worshippers during Ramadan, and threatened to evict Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem. Even were this correct, it does not justify nearly 2000 rocket attacks on Israeli civilians.
The international community is quick to criticise Israel for what it calls a “disproportionate response,” so how to characterise the Palestinian rocket attacks?
A statesmanlike Palestinian leader might have challenged the actions of the Israeli authorities in Israeli courts, knowing they would get a fair hearing.
Mark Awerbuch, Crafers, SA
If ever there was a true underdog story, a story of defiance against aggression, of patience in the face of oppression committed by a force so absurdly disproportionate in strength, it is that of the Palestinians, a people who have had their lands occupied, their homes destroyed, their families broken and their existence continually threatened.
I call on Australia’s government to take a principled stand, in line with the values we cherish in this country. All possible angles need to be explored to bring an end to the current hostilities, especially against unarmed civilians, women and children. The international community should unite to work towards a framework that leads to lasting peace in the region based on an equitable and just solution for all parties.
Danish Khan, South Wentworthville, NSW
Read these letters in The Australian.