Hamas hurting its own people

Regarding your piece July 19 about "Homeless in Gaza," why didn't you point out that the Israeli attack happened after years of rocket attacks by Hamas aimed at Israeli towns and that there were literally thousands of rockets launched?

The article also did not point out that the Israeli forces notified civilians as to where the attacks were going to be in order to reduce casualties. What other army has ever let the enemy know where it was going to attack? Not even ours.

Why didn't you point out that when Israel ceded the Gaza Strip to the Palestinians they left farms, greenhouses, orchards and an infrastructure that Hamas promptly destroyed. Why was it OK when the U.S. blockaded Cuba to prevent weapons being brought in and it is not OK if Israel does the same?

I am sorry for those in Gaza who are suffering, but it is the fault of Hamas and not Israel. If Hamas were to say to Israel, "Let's be friends," instead of calling for the total destruction of Israel, there would be an immediate improvement in the lives of the people of Gaza.

One more thing: Let's remember who danced for joy on 9/11 and who instead joined us in sorrow. Hamas is not our friend.

George Blinick

Prospect Heights