A letter to the editor published May 10 (“Larry Gilbert Sr.: Students rightfully want their colleges to divest“) referred to the war in Gaza as genocide. The definition of genocide is the intentional destruction of a people.

In the Gaza war started by Hamas, as in any war, the loss of civilian life is inevitable. Hamas hides its militants and arms in schools, mosques and hospitals. This only increases the possibility of civilian casualties.

To claim that Israel is committing genocide is at best inaccurate and at worst a lie.

Joel Olstein, Auburn