Middle East Violence Shatters Peace Process

It seems The Times perceives every disproportionate or excessive attack on Palestinian civilians only as a reaction to some Palestinian rock, bullet or mortar (“Mideast Awaits Leadership,” editorial, April 19). An objective observer would certainly realize that the root of this problem lies in the 34 years of brutal and racist Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. To end the violence, Israel should end its occupation.

SUZANNE ROBINSON

Fullerton

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Everyone, especially the Israel bashers and apologists for Yasser Arafat and his terrorist associates, should read this editorial because it is very instructive. The piece clearly and accurately states that Israel offered the Palestinians statehood and sovereignty over 92% of the West Bank, and Arafat’s lack of courage to accept resulted in the explosion of violence that followed. That, in a nutshell, is the real cause of the present violence. Those folks who continually write letters to The Times citing how poorly the Palestinian people are being treated could best serve them by directing their concerns to Arafat.

JERRY CUTLER

North Hollywood

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I am very disappointed that the U.S. is acting so unfairly with regard to Israel (“Israel Seizes Land in Gaza, Pulls Out After U.S. Rebuke,” April 18). What other country is not allowed to defend itself? If someone were shooting mortars into U.S. territory, I am sure we would respond as necessary. Why can’t Israel do the same?

The Palestinians are not even supposed to have mortars. If two sides make a contract and one side breaks the contract, the contract no longer holds. I think Israel should take back the territories it ceded, restore order and then work for a real peace agreement, one that will prevent a Palestinian state from being a military threat to Israel. The U.S. should work for peace, rather than against it. Only by restoring order can there be any progress toward peace.

RONALD COHEN

Valley Village