The conditions for Mideast peace
Re “Israeli strikes on Gaza kill more Palestinian militants,” Dec. 19
It is easy to understand Israel’s frustration over its inability to halt rocket attacks coming from the Gaza Strip. Its approach to the problem is the same one used by countless governments since time immemorial: When attacked, attack the attackers. This is not, however, conducive to a peace process. When combined with the horrific living conditions imposed on all Gazans as a kind of collective punishment for the actions of militants, Israel’s killings of militant leaders only amount to more provocation. It’s time for Israel to own up to the fact that 40 years of oppressing the Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip have created the conditions for Palestinian attacks. If Israel wants peace and security, it needs to come to terms with its role in creating the current situation.
Mark J. Kaswan
Sherman Oaks
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