Israel and Hamas peace deal: Letters to the Editor Jan. 20, 2025
The Issue: Israel and Gaza’s cease-fire deal which will release hostages and prisoners from both sides.I, for one, am happy that a cease-fire deal has been negotiated (“Shalom coming,” Jan.16).The only problems that I have with the deal is that hostages are not being released all at once and the difference between the numbers on each side.
Israel gets 33 hostages released, and in return, has to set free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.Israel did not attack Gaza — it was Hamas that attacked Israel.Every time Israel is attacked, without provocation, it does what’s needed in its defense.
When is the world going to actually hold these terror groups responsible?Kim CodyWhitestoneAlthough a cease-fire and hostage return is good news, it remains to be seen if there will be enduring peace.Hamas and Mohammed Sinwar are still in power, many hostages have already died, and Israel will release militants who will find their way back to the battlefield — regardless of assurances to the contrary.It seems that winning an unconditional surrender — the only true measure of success in warfare — is beyond Israel’s grasp.
Without it, Hamas will regroup, and the fight will continue as it has so often before when cease-fires fall apart.Mel YoungBoca Raton, Fla.For every Hamas hostage released, Israel must exchange killers, rapists and torturers.Israel will also make territorial concessions, which begs the question: Why did we fight so hard if there are no rewards?Because President Biden has proven his venom toward Israel, thereby precluding the victory it sought.It is pre-ordained that there will most likely be another attack with more casualties and prisoners.This script has played out for decades, and only a total Israeli victory can bring a different ending.Rich KlitzbergBoca Raton, Fla.The agreed-upon cease-fire in the Holy Land not only affords Hamas an opportunity to lick its wounds, but now brings praise for an entity that continues to promote death and dest...