Israel’s war crimes in Gaza are just the latest injustice

Israel's war crimes in Gaza come on top of an oppressive occupation. Other topics: educating terrorists, Palestinians in Syria and top Muslim student.

The unrest in Gaza is a direct result of Israel's oppression of the Palestinians, a reader says. Photo: AFP / Mohammed Abed

The war crimes that  Israel stands accused of (Shelling of Gaza neighbourhood 'a war crime', July 19) will not end for so long as the Israeli government perpetuates its violent military occupation, allowing inequality and injustice to flourish.

Israel’s recent actions – including deliberately targeting civilians, pursuing a policy of collective punishment against the people of Gaza and attempts to discredit victims’ families and eyewitnesses – epitomise the repression and systematic violations of human rights inherent in Israel’s unjust occupation.

Israel must end its policy of collective punishment and ensure that Palestinian civilians are protected and not targets of violence.

There would be no “security problem” for Israel if it did not oppress the Palestinian people, if it respected international law and if it treated the Palestinians with justice. Peace is only possible if it is based on justice and respect for international law.

Samaoen Osman, South Africa

All the international community is doing about Gaza is talking and looking instead of taking action.

What about all those outstanding UN Resolutions against Israel? When will they be enforced?

After all, they are enforced immediately against non-western countries.

Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai

There is no point attempting to engage in an introspective and unbiased debate with people who encourage Israel’s behaviour despite watching it attack the Palestinians and try to illegally take their land year after year, decade after decade.

Israel should stop playing the victim card.

Sydra Malik, Dubai

Education a key part of terror law

With regard to your story, FNC to discuss new anti-terrorism draft law (July 21), I wonder whether there should be a greater emphasis on education.

Although I support the idea that much more stringent laws must be implemented to prevent terrorist organisations causing harm, I do believe that many of the young recruits of extremists groups could be resettled and re-educated.

Many of the young people who join such organisations are ignorant of what they are getting themselves involved with or are joining only after being threatened.

I sincerely believe that we must do all we can to get young people out of the hands of those who use ruthless propaganda and give them a chance to see things as they really are.

To my mind, the answer is educate, educate, educate.

Brigitte Von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

How best to help Syria’s Palestinians

There has been criticism of the donations mentioned in your story, Dh55m for Palestinians in Syria (July 21) but my view is we ought to be grateful for the gesture and the help being offered.

It seems that when countries do nothing, it’s wrong, but if countries do something, it’s also wrong.

Let’s be very humble at this beautiful gesture and at the willingness of the UAE’s leaders to be true citizens of the world.

It’s wonderful that they try to help those who need it.

Jen Bishop, Canada

One of the readers responding to your story has suggested that the UAE would have done better by sending arms to the Palestinians in Syria “so they can defend themselves”.

I cannot agree. Promoting violence only creates more violence. People should help in genuine ways, such as with money for the camps and children and education instead.

Everyone can give money at the Red Crescent stalls we see in the malls. I faithfully donate Dh200 every week to help the children in Syria who are now orphans.

You can also bring clothes, blankets, sheets and so forth to Red Crescent collection points such as at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi from where they are sent to the camps. Everything is accepted with love.

Name withheld by request

Top student brings pride and honour

In reference to your story, Muslim girl Myriam Bourhail named France's top high school student (July 20), her outstanding academic achievements make all of us proud and bring honour to her country and to the Arab world.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Having done so well in her studies in France, I believe she now needs to go back to Morocco, where her origins lie, to help her own people.

I believe that the many brilliant young people who have studied overseas, such as in France or the US, should go back home and contribute to their own country’s future.

Highly intelligent people are the ones who can create a better world for everyone.

Their input should not just be restricted to the developed world.

Name withheld by request