Harry Shannon of IJV Hamilton has had the following letter published
in the Hamilton Spectator:

(Jan 5, 2009)

Re: ‘Israel rejects 48-hour truce’ (Dec. 31)

It is extremely disturbing that the Israeli government will not agree to a ceasefire in its battle against Hamas in Gaza. It means many
civilians there will continue to lack food and basic supplies, and it makes a mockery of Israel’s claim it opposes Hamas and not the
Palestinians in Gaza.

Gaza has been under a siege for many months, and Israel has prevented adequate humanitarian supplies from entering the territory, imposing
collective punishment on all Gazans, including innocent civilians. It was hard to imagine that conditions could get worse. Yet this appears
to be happening.

I condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas on Israel; they are stupid and criminal. I also condemn Israel’s disproportionate response, which has
all too predictably killed many civilians. Many columnists in Israel agree and urge a truce.

We should also not forget that Israel supported the formation of Hamas 20 years ago to create division among Palestinians.

Alas, this divide-and-rule approach has tragically backfired.

The Canadian government should end its unbalanced approach and provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.

It should also help broker a ceasefire to protect civilians on both sides.

Harry Shannon
Dundas