The horror of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Dear Editor,

I watch with horror at the situation now unfolding in Israel.

I note that many Israeli civilians — including children — are being held hostage in Gaza.

I note, too, that Israel may have taken the position to “wipe out Gaza.”

First, Israel has the right to exist.

Second, Palestine is a State that has an equal right to defend itself against aggression.

Third, I call on my Brothers in Palestine to release all civilian hostages.

Fourth, I call on both sides to stop hostilities. In particular, I urge the Netanyahu government to not consider Gaza as part of Israel.

As a Guyanese private citizen, I urge restraint on both sides. There is nothing to be gained by war.

I urge Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, go back into the Gaza strip, and stop firing rockets into the sovereign state of Israel.

I urge Israel to stop offensive actions against Gaza.

Stop it.

Yours truly,

Mark DaCosta