According to Gary Rosenblatt, most Gazans are “the victims of circumstance” and “virtual prisoners of Hamas,” which he blames on Hamas for initiating a war against Israel (“10 Lessons From The Gaza War,” Aug. 22).
The reality, however, is quite different. According to Jimmy Carter, Hamas was duly elected by Gazans in a closely monitored democratic election. During the campaign, Hamas’ violent anti-Israel agenda was never hidden from the voters.
Now fast-forward to the present. Who can forget the images of Gazans celebrating with unbridled glee upon hearing that three Israeli teenagers had been kidnapped and killed? And as Operation Protective Edge continued, Gazans were shown celebrating as Hamas’ rockets were launched against Israeli civilians and over reports that Israeli soldiers had been captured and killed. These are just a few reasons why many of us will shed no tears for Gazans in the ongoing conflict.
Staten Island
