In Fredrick Gunther’s March 21 letter, he incorrectly states that the PLO is targeting civilians. Groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad have been claiming responsibility for these acts. These groups are not part of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, which is actually opposed to these groups. Contrary to Mr. Gunthers’ claim, extermination has never been the policy of the PLO.

Israel is a nuclear power with one of the most sophisticated, best-trained conventional armies in the world that enjoys the unwavering military, economic and diplomatic support from the most powerful nation on the planet. Israel can no longer claim “victim status” nor are the Israelis going to be “pushed into the sea” by any Arab nation, assuming that any Arab nation would even want to do so. Eighteen months of fighting has left 350 out of five million Israelis dead. On the other hand, Israeli aggression has claimed the lives of nearly 1200 Palestinians in this latest intifada.

The Palestinian Authority and the UN have proposed putting peacekeeping troops in the occupied territories a number of times. The US and the Israeli governments have repeatedly rejected the move. The West Bank and Gaza represent the longest standing refugee population in the world. The Palestinians have a right to self-determination, or at least equal rights as citizens of Israel.

Ian Fritz

Brownville