Israel is doing what any nation would in time of war

The editorial “Deaths and self-inflicted wounds,” April 9, notes that Israel’s bombing in Gaza has led to more than 30,000 Palestinian deaths and, because of the bombing, Israel is losing the support of the international community. The editorial also says that Hamas needs to be eliminated and that the Israeli hostages should be freed immediately. The piece concludes by emphasizing the need for a two-state solution.

The editorial is sincere; however, it is myopic in its perspectives. The loss of life in Gaza is tragic, but not unique during a time of war. In World War II, the United States and its allies killed more than 500,000 German citizens in bombing raids. Hamas started the war, and now Palestinian citizens are paying the price.

Israel has never had broad support within the international community. The United Nations has for decades been a platform for demonizing Israel. The only reliable ally that Israel has ever had is the United States.

The editorial statement that “Hamas needs to be eliminated root and branch . ... The Israeli hostages should be freed immediately,” is exactly what Israel is trying to accomplish. Nevertheless, the Times Union editorial board is criticizing Israel for its actions in this regard.

The hope for a two-state solution is an illusion. The Palestinian leadership has rejected the two-state solution since 1947. The Palestinian leadership only desires a onestate solution, which is a Palestinian state.

Israel is doing exactly what any nation would do to protect its citizens in a time of war. The world community is hypocritical in its criticism of Israel. Don Steiner Schenectady