This is in response to the letter from Deanne Danforth, printed Jan. 17, “Israeli war crimes.” She wrote, “What Israel is doing to the Palestinians is slaughter and mass murder …”

Can anyone expect Israel to stand back as its people are killed by suicide bombers and rockets orchestrated by Hamas – a widely recognized terrorist group intent on annihilating the Jewish people?

The media readily shows the bloody faces of Palestinian children and grieving mothers, greatly influencing how the world views this Israeli invasion. The Israeli people, year after year, have suffered horrific suicide bombings and rocket attacks.

Ultimately, Hamas must take responsibility for the civilian deaths. Hamas won’t meet Israel on the front lines. Its leaders hide behind civilians, take cover in schools and hospitals. Hamas leaders recruit young people to blow themselves up, while they don’t endanger one finger.

If the rocket attacks had stopped, Israel would have pulled out, and a great deal of bloodshed could have been avoided. Israeli officials are cognizant of the suffering by the Palestinians. Sonic booms precede bombs, warning civilians away from targeted buildings. Israel halted fighting so critical supplies could reach the Palestinians. Israel stated its readiness to end the invasion if Hamas stopped firing rockets.

If anyone is prosecuted for war crimes, it should be Hamas. Israel’s aim is to live in safety and peace.

Isn’t that what we all want?

Jen Robbins, Farmington