""I would say that what the Palestinian side is interested in is freedom.""

While I agree that NEITHER side is right, or can claim the moral high ground, in respect of HOW they pursue their objective, I also have to agree that Palestine is the side looking for freedom from the continual, and lethal, interference by what is supposed to be an Israeli "Defence" Force.

While we are looking at the history of this situation it's worth remarking that the Israelis' should be able to understand, and sympathise with, the Palestinian viewpoint.

After all, in 1948 the Israelis were murdering British troops in pursuit of the same goal.

The Irgun Zwai Leumi, an Israeli terrorist organisation, which included Menachim Begin (later to be leader of the Israeli government) among its members, was pinning down the tent flaps of British soldiers, pouring petrol over them, and roasting the occupants, or alternatively tossing in a couple of grenades, and shooting anyone trying to escape.

One member of my group of friends at school lost his father in this way.

A pity indeed that they DON'T realise that they are repeating history, but in reverse. In both cases they highlight the contempt they have for the rights of others, while always demanding that others respect their rights.

Small wonder they are hated.

Don T.

Don T.