Re: “Not easy when neighbours want to annihilate you,” commentary, Oct. 21.

The commentary offered a thoughtful and rational defence of Israel’s right to respond to Hamas, while also acknowledging the tragic complexity of the current situation.

However, one essential historical consideration was missing.

When the international community supported the creation of Israel in the late 1940s, it did so with little regard for the people already living there.

For Palestinians, this was not a mere geopolitical adjustment, but the sudden loss of their homes, land and identity.

It would be no different if strangers decided to camp permanently in our backyards and then took over the basement!

Israel’s military victories in the years that followed extended its original borders even farther, deepening the sense of displacement and injustice among Palestinians.

While none of this excuses the violence of Hamas or the hatred directed at the Israeli state, it does help explain the depth of Palestinian anger and the enduring instability in the region.

Understanding both the historical grievances and Israel’s legitimate fears for survival is the only way to move toward something better than endless retaliation.

John Stevenson

Victoria

Re: “No easy choices when neighbours want to annihilate you,” commentary, Oct. 21.

Congratulations to the Times ­Colonist and Gwyn Morgan for having the ­fortitude to publish this ­long-overdue, excellent, truthful commentary about Israel, in contrast to the slanted ­reporting by the oil-financed ­propaganda that has been parroted by the mainstream media.

The Middle East conflict is not about a so-called two-state solution, but the ultimate goal is to wipe Israel off the map, Jews and all.

The (anti) social media crowds in Western countries have all been ­enthusiastically participating in ­pro-Hamas protests.

With the exception of some ­unwitting crowd followers their motivation is ­nothing more than centuries-old ­antisemitism.

After Hitler massacred........

© Times Colonist