Palestine needs international aid, Israel needs to stop this brutality

This is with reference to Their on first policy is back (Our Take, July 16). The Gaza Strip continues to bleed as Islamic countries remain insensitive to the crisis. Israel’s operation ‘Protective Edge’ entered its ninth day on Wednesday as Israeli defence forces continued massive air strikes. The death toll has reached 200, with more than 1,100 civilians severely wounded. It is time neighbouring countries steppe up efforts in support of the Palestinians and provided financial and other forms of aid. While Israel continues its cruelty and the world remains a silent spectator, the need of the hour is that the UN steps in to stop the bloodshed.

IFTIKHAR MIRZA, Islamabad