To the editor: In his op-ed article, “When will Israel be held accountable for the unjust war it is waging in Gaza?” Daoud Kuttab seems oblivious to the simple actuality that Israel has each proper to defend itself in opposition to terrorists and an oppressive regime that seeks its full annihilation.
On this context, Israel should make use of no matter means essential to neutralize quick threats and make sure that Iran and its proxies can now not inflict hurt on harmless civilians.
Placing Hamas’ bloodbath on Oct. 7, 2023, within the context of Israel’s occupation is deeply troubling. Moreover, his omission of any point out of the remaining 101 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is egregious. This obvious oversight disregards the elemental precept that hostage-taking violates worldwide legislation.
I’d remind Kuttab that overtures made to the Palestinians aimed toward establishing their very own state — together with vital territorial concessions and the acceptance of East Jerusalem as its capital — have been rejected.
Kuttab concludes, “The conflict should finish, and so should the occupation, in order that Palestinians and Israelis can someday stay in peace, every in their very own acknowledged nation.” I agree, however with a vital caveat: The conflict should finish solely when Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the militias in Syria and Iraq and their backer Iran stop their rocket and missile assaults, acknowledge Israel’s proper to exist and resign violence.
As soon as that occurs, and when Palestinians are ready to barter in good religion, we may have a real alternative for peace. I sincerely hope I stay to see that day.
Rabbi Reuven H. Taff, Sacramento
