to the editor: When our president's bold 20-point Middle East peace plan turns out not to be the win-win deal he hoped for, how will he try to explain to us why our obsessive devotion to Israel (even tangling with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's own domestic interests) has continued for so long, at the expense of American interests and tax dollars (“Trump's Middle East deal is just the beginning of his role” October 9)? Of all the tragedies, the accusation of genocide has been raised by much of the rest of the civilized world, and the United States is seen as a willing accomplice.
Ultimately, President Trump should deserve credit for this first phase of his complex plan. But why is Netanyahu smiling? He has already warned the world that he is ready to resume his offensive “the difficult path” if Hamas fails to disarm.
Let us hope that the meeting to celebrate the first phase is only the beginning of a plan that will ultimately be successful.
June Maguire, Mission Viejo
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to the editor: There is a universal rule in human affairs that has served us well for generations: “If you break it, you pay for it.” Israel senselessly destroyed Gaza, killing and maiming tens of thousands of civilians, completely disproportionate to its right to retaliation or self-defense. Much of the world agrees that Israel committed war crimes in Gaza, while many call him a genocide.
Why should rich Arab states or others Will we have to pay compensation and reconstruction costs for the death and destruction caused by Israel? Israel must be forced to pay for it. It is the only fair, correct and equitable thing to do.
Saif M. Hussain, Woodland Hills
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to the editor: Trump is very proud of himself with what he calls his eighth war over (“News analysis: For Trump, celebration and return of victory in the Middle East”, October 13). My opinion: Finally! After almost a year with Trump back in office, 64,000 deaths in Gaza (men, women, children, non-combatants), global condemnation, greater international recognition of a two-state solution and Half of Gaza devastatedTrump eventually pressured Netanyahu to back down and reduce military and financial aid.
It is a great and hopeful opportunity to see less violence in the Middle East.
Steve Watson, San Clemente
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to the editor: Well done to Trump in helping implement a ceasefire (only Nine Palestinians killed today by the Israel Defense Forces) and the return of 20 Israeli hostages (“Hostages freed, prisoners freed, as Trump hails 'golden age' in the Middle East,” October 12).
During Joe Biden's presidency, more than 100 Israeli hostages were returned. Both presidents miserably fueled the Israeli war machine.
Diplomatic experts They have denounced the lack of substance contained in the recent “peace agreement.”
It's truly amazing how so many world leaders, and others, feel compelled to kiss our current president's ring.
Richard Ellison, Pasadena
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to the editor: Hamas took over 250 hostages. How many of them were returned alive to Israel?
Now, it's hard to believe that Hamas is currently monitoring Gaza. with Trump's approval. Hamas forces They have already killed several Gazansaccusing them of being gang members. No one should trust Hamas for any reason. How could this be allowed?
Hamas will never hand over its weapons and has not yet recognized that Israel is a country. This is crazy.
Leonard Zivitz, Fullerton
