This idea, that the fault and responsibility for conflict lies exclusively on one side, is misleading and has poisoned diplomatic efforts. While terrorism is never a legitimate tactic, many Palestinians have resorted to it due to widespread disillusionment with negotiations and diplomatic options.

The failure to resolve such problems as settlements in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the treatment of Palestinians across the nation and, recently, the military blockade of the Gaza strip, has made many feel that negotiations are incapable of producing results.

As a stateless people scattered across the world (much as the Jews once were) they have little political power and no real ability to influence the Israeli Government. The resulting terrorism and targeting of civilians, however, must be condemned.

If Israel does continue the bombing raids or launch an invasion of Gaza, all that will result is the deaths of hundreds of people, many either civilians or just police recruits who just wanted a stable job, and the further polarisation of the region.

As many commentators, including The Canberra Times, have pointed out, the only thing that will bring lasting peace and security is not a military offensive, but a workable peace treaty establishing two viable independent states.

Polarising the issue as just the cases for or against Israel won't help achieve this.

Joshua Smith, Gordon

The Australian Government's response to the massacre in Gaza is despicable.

As one-and-a-half million people crowded in the small strip of Palestinian land were being pounded with Israeli bombs, Julia Gillard called on Hamas and other militants to cease shelling Israel shells which generally fell harmlessly in fields, although one Israeli was reported killed.