Re “Anguish, guilt in the West Bank,” Feb. 26

It is maddening, the daily barrage of articles detailing the carnage and misery and suffering and body counts of Palestinians in Gaza.

Why? Because no one is asking, “Why doesn’t Hamas surrender?” Instead, people cry, “Genocide!”

In war, one side continues to kill until the other side surrenders. Did the world cry “genocide” after Dresden, Hiroshima or Nagasaki were destroyed? After the Arab attacks against Israel in 1948 and 1973? No.

Hamas has vowed to kill Jews in Israel and around the world. But in carrying out this violence, Hamas kills its own.

If it really wants the killing to stop, Hamas’ mandate is clear: Surrender.

Eric Beck Portland, Ore.