I am writing in response to the letter, 'Israel shows restraint', by Nicholas Sutherland, which was published in your editorial section on January 15.

I do not believe that Sutherland fully understands what is occurring in the Middle East, especially as it relates to the Palestinian/Israel conflict, so I write to clarify a few issues.

First, Sutherland should realise that Hamas is an elected political party. The Palestinians were given the chance to hold an election. International election monitors were sent to the region to ensure that these elections were free and fair and they were deemed to be such by the monitors. The only qualms that Israel and her allies, including the main player behind the supply of these weapons of mass destruction (America), have is that they disapprove of the Hamas government. But this Government represent the choice of the people!

Second, Israel claims to be targeting Hamas. Let us look at the figures: 2,000 Palestinians have been killed, with the vast majority being innocent civilians, including women and children. Are these babies being killed supporters of Hamas? Are these five- and six-year-old children supporters of Hamas? In the words of the several human rights bodies and lawyers, what Israel is doing is crime against humanity.

Yes, Hamas may have been firing missiles into Israel, but what do you expect? The Israelis have illegally settled on the Palestinian lands, build houses, towns, shopping malls in the Palestinian territory ('occupied' land). At the same time, they have prevented the Palestinians from moving about freely in that land and from gaining access to the very basics - food, clean water and electricity.

Reflect the realities

Is this the same Israel that had the world sympathising and empathising and crying for them because of the Holocaust? Are they not doing the same to the Palestinians by refusing to allow them to choose their own destiny?

When we write commentaries about the conflict, it must reflect the realities on the ground, and the reality that is currently exposing itself in Palestine is that the Israelis are destroying the life and livelihood of innocent men, women and children.

Let us paint that picture as it is and stop trying to find justification for this barbaric act that is being perpetrated against the Palestinians by Israel in what is supposed to be the Holy Land.

I am, etc.,

MUHAMMAD ABDUL-HADI

abdulhadi23@hotmail.com

Brixton, London