THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTE: HOW SHOULD ISRAEL HAVE RESPONDED?

I welcome the UN upgrade of Palestinian status to observer state ( Israel bows to the inevitable, November 30), cannot understand Israel’s objections, and think its response of withholding Palestinian tax revenues and declaring an increase of settler homes is counterproductive.

The enhanced UN status brings increased self-respect to the Palestinians and may also improve Mahmoud Abbas’ standing among Palestinians and against Hamas. The Palestinians, from a position of greater equality, and less as an underdog, can more readily negotiate with Israel over a possible two-state solution. Israel’s reaction makes it appear childish and vengeful. The new status of the Palestinians enables them to turn to the International Criminal Court if they feel that Israel is acting illegally; what has Israel to fear from this? On the contrary, this option of legal redress may help reduce terrorist activity. Perhaps Israel should remember that it was the UN that gave legal recognition to the new state of Israel. Richard Gordon Lake View, Edgware, HA8

On November 29 1947, the UN General Assembly resolved to partition British Mandatory Palestine into two states. This was accepted by the Jews but was rejected by the Arabs.

Exactly 65 years later, it seems the Palestinians have partly accepted this resolution: they have persuaded the UN to recognise the existence of a Palestinian state. Let us hope it is not another 65 years before they themselves recognise the existence of Israel, not just as a state, but as a specifically and permanently Jewish state, as stated in the UN partition plan. Daniel Saunders Woodhill Crescent, Kenton, HA3

The Palestinians have declared ownership of land in the West Bank and in eastern Jerusalem which, in the Oslo Accords, both sides committed to negotiate over and “refrain from steps that will change the status of the West Bank… pending the outcome of the permanent status negotiations”.

When Israel, in response, announced plans to build homes in existing villages on that disputed land, it was called upon by William Hague and other leaders not to do so.

Why is Israel expected to observe agreements that the Palestinian have discarded? Why the double standards? Nomi Benari benari@toucansurf.com

As long as Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s leader its enemies need not spend time or money demonising Israel, as he does it for them. With his petulant response to the Palestinian UN initiative he is handing a propaganda gift to Israel’s enemies and alienating her few remaining friends.

It is no use for Israel to claim it has no partner for peace when it is obvious Netanyahu himself is no such partner. Paul Miller Woodland Gardens, London, N10

Following the vote in their favour the Palestinians need to understand that with statehood comes “adult” responsibilities. The most important of these is the unconditional recognition of other states — that means no more indiscriminate firing of rockets. Barry Borman Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, HA8