Prince William should know that politics and the monarchy don’t mix
sir – While I endorse the sentiments of Prince William (“William: Fighting in Gaza must be brought to an end”, report, February 21), he should be reminded that the 1689 Bill of Rights – which set limits on the powers of the monarchy, and established the rights of Parliament and the people – means that the monarchy must not interfere with political issues. Both the provision of cheap housing and hostilities in Gaza certainly are. Dorian Wood
Castle Cary, Somerset
sir – Prince William was correct to call for an end to fighting in Gaza, but this can only be achieved if Hamas lays down its weapons, releases all remaining hostages, recognises Israel’s right to exist and undertakes not to launch any future terrorist attacks. Trevor Joyce
Canterbury, Kent sir – I would willingly support a ceasefire, but it must be conditional on the safe return of all Israeli hostages. We hear much about the horrors on the ground in Gaza, but almost nothing about the condition of those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. Why should Israel stop fighting when its citizens are held hostage? John Seager Green
Winchester, Hampshire
sir – It is dangerous for Prince William to speak out about the conflict in Gaza when so many British citizens apparently do not accept Israel’s right to exist, let alone defend itself. D S A Murray
Dorking, Surrey
sir – I now expect Prince William to speak up on all the just and unjust conflicts in the world. Not to do so will be seen as inconsistent and selective. He has thus set a dangerous precedent. Ian Fraser
Prestbury, Cheshire in Gaza, the naive Prince of Wales has arguably wreaked more damage on our constitutional monarchy than his brother ever could. A period of silence from him would now be judicious. Hilda Ford
Corsham, Wiltshire
sir – While almost all share Prince William’s humanitarian inclinations, fewer remember the Second World War and the fact that, to finish it, the Allies had to eradicate the Nazis.
The terrorists of Hamas must be defeated if Israel is to feel confident of its safety. A war has to reach a conclusion; it cannot be a compromise that leaves the opening for future conflict. Unless Hamas fundamentally changes its ideology, to try to end the conflict without its eradication will leave a risk of further violence and destruction, which, in all probability, will spread to Western countries as Islamic activists migrate. Peter Williman
Chatteris, Cambridgeshire