Your correspondent noted the disproportionate loss of life in Gaza and Israel, but omitted to note that as no Hamas operative wears a uniform, nearly all losses of life are reported to be civilian deaths. Israel has lost few civilians because all bus stops, playgrounds, schools and hospitals near Gaza have concrete roofs to protect civilians from the rocket attacks that have now persisted for 15 years.

Hamas chose to use concrete to build tunnels to attack Israel. If this concrete had been used to build homes, more schools and better hospitals, there would have been no civilian deaths in Gaza.

There could have been a booming economy and peace between neighbours, just as Israel has peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, whereas Hamas’s charter calls for the total destruction of Israel.

Anthony Broza

Golf Close, Stanmore