Letter to the editor: Condemnation of Israel hypocritical

Pro-Palestinian protestors hypocritically criticize Israel for overreacting to the Oct. 7 attack. That attack murdered, tortured, raped and/or abducted over 1,500 Israeli civilians without warning or provocation. Gaza had not been occupied by Israel since 2005. Since then, the Palestinians have received billions in foreign aid intended for humanitarian purposes but used instead for building tunnels and military equipment to attack Israel. The Israeli counteroffensive has so far resulted in over 11,000 Palestinian deaths — primarily terrorists.

Compare that to the U.S. action of dropping the atom bombs on Japan to end World War II, which killed over 140,000 civilians. The bombing of Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 — primarily U.S. military personnel. No one called for the Allies to cease fire before victory was declared or accused the U.S. of overreacting.

It is hypocritical to condemn Israel while ignoring the tragic consequences of civilian deaths in war throughout history. If the U.S. and Japan can become friendly allies after the atom bombs were dropped to defeat Japan, couldn’t the Israelis and the Palestinians become friendly allies once Israel defeats Hamas? After all, both are descendants of the patriarch Abraham.

Dr. Joel I. Last

Greensburg