Money, diplomacy and Hamas

Re “Cutting Off U.S. Aid to Palestinians Not Easy,” Feb. 18

While the U.S. and Israel desperately try to reestablish the ability to dominate Palestine by denying foreign aid, the world should remember that this aid is a distortion of reality. Under international law, it is the occupying power that has responsibility for the well-being of the residents of the occupied territories, the more so when that power has strangled or destroyed the economy to retain political control. In reality, the foreign aid only served to relieve Israel of its obligations, which will revert to Israel if that aid is withdrawn.

The whole exercise seems like just a continuation of the demonization of Hamas in order for Israel to continue its unchallenged theft of Palestinian land. Hamas has agreed to a long-term truce, provided that Israel complies with international law and withdraws from the occupied territories. Who could possibly ask for more than that?

CHRISTOPHER LEADBEATER

Ashford, Britain

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Re “Israel Will Halt Tax Transfers to Palestinians,” Feb. 20

When an entity takes money belonging to another and chooses not to return it, is that not called theft? It is one thing for Israel to choose not to give money to Palestine, but to withhold money it has collected from the Palestinians seems illegal and immoral. It is my understanding that Israel has taken this step because Hamas, although it has maintained a cease-fire for more than a year, and has offered a permanent truce, will not say the words that Israel wants from the people it dispossessed to create its state: that it has a moral right to exist. I don’t believe we ever asked the American Indians for that. Peace should be enough.

ERICA HAHN

Huntington Beach

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How much more loudly and clearly than Israel can a state pronounce, “We disrespect democracy”?

STEFAN FRAZIER

San Jose

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Re “Turkey Allows Hamas Visit,” Feb. 17

I am dumbfounded and disappointed by the news that Turkey invited Hamas officials to visit Ankara, given Turkey’s 80-plus years of secular modernization and its desire to enter the European Union. What could its motive be? What were Turkish officials thinking? Who are they trying to please? Certainly not their American friends, their European trade partners or their Israeli security partners. Maybe the left wing of their Islamic constituents.

HULYA KARACA NYE

Carlsbad