Can striking in another country really be passed off as self-defence?

Mourners react during the funeral of Hassan and Amira Fadlallah, siblings who were killed during an Israeli strike on 30 July, in the southern suburb of Beirut. EPA

Is striking in another country really self-defence?

With regard to Ellie Sennett's article US senator introduces bill to hold Iran accountable for proxy attacks (July 31): it seems Benjamin Netanyahu is doing everything in his power to pull the US into conflict with Iran. This could be the first major crisis for the future US president, perhaps Kamala Harris.

David Archibald, Georgia, US

I'm tired of hearing the same excuses that a state has the right to defend itself. From what exactly, when it is occupying land that belongs to the indigenous people of that land? They, the indigenous people, have a right to fight back against the hypocrisy and a state that occupies and oppresses them. An illegally occupying state cannot claim its actions are legal simply by playing besties with a super power and getting weapons to wipe out the indigenous people of that region. Enough lies. We need to end this generational trauma. The continued war is creating so much psychological harm. Apart from the devastation and death, it is creating disturbed and desensitised masses. We need to end this. We need to support humanity.

Hala El-Murr, Beirut, Lebanon

Defending yourself and your country does not mean assassinating people in other sovereign countries. That is called terrorism, not defence.

Barbara Lebar, Abu Dhabi

Both countries need to face the consequences of their actions for there to be peace. Close all American military bases in the Middle East. It is shameful that Joe Biden and Antony Blinken are still permitted to arm and fund Israel and perpetrate the killing of so many people. Israel attacking other countries in the region is not self defence, and it is not the path to peace. If Israel's government is so determined to attack neighbours then its citizens might have no choice but to leave their country.

Rachel Greenhalgh, Cambridge, UK

The Kerala floods nightmare

With regard to Ramola Talwar Badam's report UAE residents mourn family and friends killed in Kerala landslide (July 31): so many people are stranded. They can do with airlifts as the roads in many parts have been washed away. I am from Wayanad. The situation is still very bad on the ground. More than 270 people now have died and they need more relief camps.

Rijju K, Muscat, Oman

A pregnant Olympian fencer's choice

In reference to Reem Abulleil's coverage of Nada Hafez, the 26-year-old Egyptian fencer who competed in the Olympics while seven months pregnant (Aug 1): some people seem confused regarding whether her participation was commendable or whether it put her and the baby at risk. It is totally commendable. What isn't is doubting the choice of a trained athlete who knows her capabilities and would have taken the advice of doctors, trainers, physiotherapists and more.

Katia Haddan, London, UK