This is in response to the letter from Diana Cundy bemoaning the fact that a million Palestinians are suffering at the hands of Israel because of the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier by just a few Palestinians (June 10).

There are two crossings open between Israel and Gaza for the transfer of basic supplies into Gaza. No outside agency has reported any starvation. A few weeks ago Israel offered $11 million worth of medical supplies to the Palestinians. The offer was rejected, but they wanted the cash! If things are so desperate where is aid from their oil-rich brothers?

Let’s get things straight: the Palestinian people elected Hamas to replace the corrupt Arafat government, not because of any Israeli refusal to negotiate with terrorists whose object is to obliterate Israel.

Palestinians purposely attack and murder Israeli men, women and children and celebrate these atrocities. On the other hand, the family that was killed on the beach in Gaza may, or may not, have been the result of Israeli explosives. The evidence was conveniently removed before the shrapnel could be examined to verify its origin.

Israel unilaterally pulled out of Gaza giving the new Hamas government an opportunity to establish a peaceful, productive nation. What did they do? They destroyed the property left behind, began lobbing rockets into Israel proper, and tunneled into Israel in order to kill and kidnap.

The Palestinians blame Israel and the USA for their every problem. Let’s place the blame where it belongs: on themselves.

Joel Goodman, Auburn