Letters to the editor: Bias against Israel is obvious

A Palestinian sits near the remains of a building after it was destroyed in Israeli air strikes, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian fighting. Photo / Getty Images

The bias against Israel in the world media seems obvious to me and apart from some rather toothless support from the Biden administration, which it seems is now under pressure from within his own Democratic party, Israel stands alone.

This has been the case for the Jews for at least 4000 years, and in spite of being treated as the offscourings of humanity they still proudly stand alone.

Hamas, the militant terrorist group which has ruled Gaza since its election in 2006 has, as part of its manifesto, the sworn aim of eliminating the state of Israel.

The talk of a two-state solution to the Middle East problem is simply a pie-in-the-sky dream of a world that won't accept this feud goes back thousands of years.

Israel has regularly shown restraint, relying on its Iron Dome defence system to protect citizens from the rocket attacks from Gaza.

Warnings have been consistent in that these attacks would cost dearly, and it's easy to forget that, in my opinion, if Hamas ceases its aggression the war would be over, but if Israel lays down its arms it would cease to exist.

Sadly, civilians from both sides get caught up, but it was democratic process that put both antagonist regimes in power so ultimately the people bear the brunt of their choices.

John Williams
Ngongotahā

Finish one project first

The Te Ngae Rd works are progressing far too slowly and a lot of the time there is no work going on at all.

It appears to me that NZTA has overstretched itself with the Te Ngae Rd and Ngongotahā projects both proceeding at once.

I believe one project at a time working two shifts per day, seven days per week would have been a far better option.

Finish one project in a timely manner then move on to the next.

Brian Pickering
Ōwhata

Rates unaffordable

Re council spending, ''vanity'' projects and investments (News, May 19).

Look around the town, look at the state of the CBD, the empty shops, the fact that few want to venture out at night, the awful state of the area around the Fenton St motels - the council has already wasted enough money on projects that we could well have done without.

Its proposed rates rise will stick another $280 a year on our rates bill - money we cannot afford - and I know we are not alone.

I seriously suggest the council talks to some of the people in Rotorua, gets out into the real world and sees the facts of life in the city.

(Abridged)

Jim Adams
Rotorua

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