The Issue: Israel and Gaza’s cease-fire deal which will release hostages and prisoners from both sides.

I, for one, am happy that a cease-fire deal has been negotiated (“Shalom coming,” Jan. 16).

The only problems that I have with the deal is that hostages are not being released all at once and the difference between the numbers on each side. Israel gets 33 hostages released, and in return, has to set free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Israel did not attack Gaza — it was Hamas that attacked Israel. Every time Israel is attacked, without provocation, it does what’s needed in its defense. When is the world going to actually hold these terror groups responsible?

Kim Cody

Whitestone

Although a cease-fire and hostage return is good news, it remains to be seen if there will be enduring peace. Hamas and Mohammed Sinwar are still in power, many hostages have already died, and Israel will release militants who will find their way back to the battlefield — regardless of assurances to the contrary.

It........

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