Israel needs to have mercy on Gaza suffering

How wonderful it would be if Israel would open Gaza's borders and let the sick reach the hospitals they need. How wonderful it would be if Israel let her people reach the jobs they used to have to support their families and let the farmers export the goods on which their livelihood and dignity depend - if the schools and hospitals bombed two winters ago were allowed the materials to rebuild, if fuel were allowed in to let people have electricity to cook and to purify their polluted water again.

Israel's attack in winter 2008-09 was in retaliation for rocket attacks which over a period of

5 1/2 years killed 20 Israeli civilians and two soldiers, and also because Hamas would not release Gilad Shalit, whom they illegally hold hostage. Israel's attack killed 1395 Palestinians, 850 of whom were civilians. Israel holds 371 Palestinians indefinitely, without charging them with any crime or giving them a trial.

The closure held 1.5 million people while leaflets dropped telling them they were about to be attacked, but they had no way to escape. I hope Israel will recognize Gaza's suffering and have mercy.

Lisa Ross Thedens

Walker