In reply to Steve Jack’s letter (putting it straight: Adver 9 Aug). He asks, would we be writing in vehement protest if it was Israel suffering at the hands of Hamas?

Firstly, by that statement he seems to be admitting that Israel isn’t suffering the same level of death and destruction, which he is absolutely correct – I believe two Israeli citizens have died as a direct result of Hamas rockets in this current crisis, compared with hundreds and hundreds of innocent civilians in Gaza killed by air strikes and heavy artillery from tanks, the total level of carnage on the Gazan side is wholly disproportionate in anyone’s eyes.

Secondly, absolutely I would protest just as strongly if the roles were reversed. Loss of human life is tragic in any circumstance, and far more tragic when it’s innocent men women and children.

Israel say on the one hand they don’t target schools, UN facilities, or hospitals, then they say they were targeted because rockets were fired from those places. So do they or don’t they? If you know there are innocent civilians in and around these places, rule number 1, hold fire.

How can a tank shell fired from over a mile away into a heavily populated area pinpoint a Hamas fighter?

Does Steve Jack truly believe Israel’s actions are going to finally put an end to Hamas, or is it more likely the level of hatred towards Israel is going to increase?

When the dust finally settles in this latest conflict the only winners will be the arms dealers.

Tom Horwat Upavon Court Penhill