Sir, Your leading article (“In defence of Israel”, Jan 10) does not address the future, only the present, and the issues are far too complex for a short leader. However, one principle is easily established: to survive, Israel needs allies; the United States may not always be able to help as it does now, so Israel needs friends around her.

Israel’s policies, whatever the provocation, must aim to improve the standards of education and living in the neighbouring countries and hope thereby to convert the deep-rooted hostility into at least toleration; Israel must be able to be seen as beneficial to the countries of the Middle East. If the deep hostility of her neighbours endures Israel will not.

Alexander Hopkinson-Woolley

Bembridge, Isle of Wight

Sir, You state that Hamas and its brand of pan-Islamism are ultimately responsible for civilian suffering in Gaza. Up to a point, though the seeds of the situation were sown before Hamas ever was. The sad truth is that Hamas were handed victory the moment Israel chose this particular battle.

James Malcolm

Molesey, Surrey

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