SIR – John Hall (T&A, December 11) says I equate “Palestinian” and “Hamas”. No! I explained why Israel felt it necessary to bombard Gaza: Hamas was firing missiles, often from near hospitals and schools, on Israel. It is wrong of him to suggest I said they (the Palestinians) ‘have no rights’. They have the right to live in peace, security, and with democratic rights and rule of law: something they will never have under Hamas.

He says ‘some (Palestinians) may even want Israel’s destruction’. He knows perfectly well, that under the corrupt and vicious leadership of both Hamas and Fatah, a huge majority of Palestinians desire precisely that!

I am curious to know how, if Gaza is NOT free, Hamas was able to fire rockets on Israel. I love paradox, but this is a paradox too far for me.

As Mr Hall mentions, some Jewish groups are opposed to Israeli action. Jews, in general, as with other groups of people, are free to entertain whatever opinion they wish. Why should the fact that they are themselves Jewish have any relevance? Their views have no more weight than do those of non-Jews. Mentioning the death-camps is a piece of moral blackmail.

A Michael Murphy, Woodcot Avenue, Baildon