To the editor: My heart goes out to the suffering and loss in Gaza, but Emad Moussa strategically omits the Hamas pogrom of October 7, which broke a ceasefire and sparked this war. Since Moussa condemns dehumanization, it should also be noted that Hamas’s letter expresses its goal of cleansing Israel, the region, and the world of Jews. (“What does it feel like to be dehumanized? Ask any Palestinian,” Opinion, December 28).
Hamas has rejected another ceasefire plan – this one from Egypt – and released a video warning the families of Hamas captives that “their suffering has not yet begun.”
Demonizing Israel, which is suffering its own heavy losses, and denying Hamas’ cruelty, torture, rape, murder and kidnapping will not bring peace to Gaza. Only the immediate release of all hostages and the bodies of captives murdered in Gaza by Hamas, and the cessation of its violence and violent control over Gaza, can lead Israel and the Palestinians towards peace.
Jo Perry, City of Study
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To the editor: In describing the terrible situation of the Palestinian people in Gaza, Moussa fails to mention some important facts.
In 2006, a plurality of Palestinians elected Hamas to lead their legislative body. This is a group dedicated to the destruction of Israel.
Nor does it recognize the brutality of the October 7 attacks on Israeli civilians that left 1,200 dead and ignited the current conflict.
Gaza is just 50 miles south of Tel Aviv, which has beaches, boardwalks and world-class restaurants. If the Palestinians in Gaza had devoted their energy to developing a tourist destination instead of a network of terrorist tunnels, we would not be in the position we find ourselves in today.
I agree that Palestinians deserve to live with dignity and their current situation is regrettable. It will take very different leadership from both sides to reach an equitable solution.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that leadership emerging anytime soon, and that’s also part of this tragedy.
Karen Mason, Los Angeles
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To the editor: After reading several articles in The Times about the war between Israel and Gaza, I think I have discovered the US government’s policy towards the region.
It is this: bombs for Israel, body bags for Gaza.
Let’s forget what the rest of the world thinks about American politics. Consider what American citizens now think about their own government.
Bill Gravlin, Rancho Palos Verdes
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To the editor: I don’t have to ask a Palestinian what dehumanization feels like. I feel it every time I read and see pictures of Palestinians celebrating the murder of Jews.
I have witnessed this spectacle over and over again throughout my adult life. When this stops happening, Israeli soldiers will no longer need to fight wars to keep Jews safe.
Susan Wolfson, Glendale
