Future of Palestine

Madam, - In your editorial comment on the current situation in Gaza (July 20th) you succinctly describe the crisis there and …

Madam, - In your editorial comment on the current situation in Gaza (July 20th) you succinctly describe the crisis there and the reasons for it but then contradictorily state that the "Israelis will come to regret the relentless pressure they have put on the Palestinian population and leadership over the last four years, which has led to this collapse of authority."

So, is it the fault of Arafat's corruption and terrorists struggling for power or not? It seems to be de rigueur to have a swipe at the Israelis no matter what!

By any chance could it be that the "pressure" you refer to has something to do with, as you say, "Hamas, who believe in an all-out confrontation with Israel rather than a negotiated peace leading to a two-state outcome"? - Yours, etc.,

PAT O'SULLIVAN, Knocknacurra, Bandon, Co Cork.