Consider the facts

I would like to point out that The Chronicle) editorial on Jan. 7 (‘The world needs to step in on Hamas’) makes certain claims that are not true and thus, it is only fair to your readers that they be exposed to the truth.

You talk of Hamas' insistence on eradicating Israel from the planet. However, Hamas has consistently and publicly declared that it will be willing to accept Israel if Israel were to return the Palestinian lands it has been illegally occupying and building settlements upon since 1967. There are many UN resolutions calling on Israel to do so, but so far, they have refused.

Another claim you make is the American position that Hamas broke the ceasefire. Nothing could be further from the truth. The six month treaty signed on June 19, 2008 was based on three elements:

(1) that Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel;

(2) that Israel lifts the blockade on Gaza;

(3) Israel stops attacks within Gaza.

Hamas said it would imprison anyone, including their own members, if they were caught firing rockets. Israel on the other hand did not lift the blockade, AND 1 month before the truce was to end (November 4, 2008) Israel carried out a raid inside Gaza, both clear violations of the treaty. Hamas only fired rockets AFTER these clear violations by Israel. What's more interesting is that many of these facts were reported by Rick Sanchez on CNN and the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

I am simply writing this letter as I feel that it's important to consider facts as they are. The West Island Chronicle should be more responsible and not write editorials as if from the Israeli military.

Anas Alkhatib, Dollard des Ormeaux.