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Irish Independent

Letters: No matter the provocation from Hamas, the response from Israel is inhumane

One can argue that Israel had the right to use the standard military doctrine of overwhelming force to prosecute its military response and not seek or accept proportionality of casualties. One can argue that given the urban character and high population density of Gaza, collateral damage and high civilian casualties were inevitable. One can argue that Hamas's well-documented tactic of using schools and hospitals for command and control posts, ammunition dumps and firing points – effectively using children and the sick as human shields – could lead to these people being targeted. One can argue that the group's tactic of firing from buildings to lure Israeli infantry before detonating mines could lead to a corresponding Israeli tactic of wholesale destruction of these buildings, rather than the normal practice of clearing house-by-house. One can also argue that Hamas's strategy of retaining the hostages in the face of this onslaught has allowed Israel to retain the semblance of moral rectitude and given cover for its heavy-handedness. But the deliberate collective punishment and starvation of 2.2 million people and the expulsion from one area to another within the Gaza Strip in forced evacuations is inhumane and dehumanising. R Healy, Mullagh, Co Cavan US should look at itself before it lectures other nations about free speech Ian O'Doherty tells us that the United States has taken it upon itself to warn Ireland over the dangers of our proposed hate-speech legislation ('Free speech, America and the EU: we know which way our leaders will lean' – June 4). It was a 'friendly chat', apparently, though such chats from Washington often come with a raised eyebrow and a wagging finger. This is from a country whose president has already vowed to prosecute journalists he dislikes, has banned sections of the press from the White House briefing room and routinely refers to unfavourable coverage as 'treason', all while border agents inspect travellers' social media accounts for impure thoughts. The First Amendment is a fine principle, but its most ardent defenders often appear oddly selective in their defence of it, especially when abroad. Before advising sovereign nations on freedom of expression, the US might take a moment to recall the old maxim: physician, heal thyself. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh If Adams runs for the Áras, we can't blame the electorate if he doesn't get elected Senan Molony suggests that if former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams becomes our next president it will be the fault of the BBC ('If Adams becomes next president, it would be ironic the BBC paved the way' – June 4). I wonder if Mr Adams does decide to run for the Áras and is not successful, will it then be the fault of the electorate? I would ultimately give the electorate the respect they deserve no matter what the outcome. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 If you value love, not hate, stand with us at Pride marches across Ireland I am in my 30s and have been protest­ing since I was six years of age. I remember going with all of the kids in my class to the local government building to campaign for them to fund our secondary school. That school opened when I was 16. I have marched for marriage equality, for Repeal; I've protested alongside Trans and Intersex Pride; for Irish language rights; in solidarity with Palestine and much more. Marching together for a common cause is empowering to those affected and for those who love us. Pride is no different. This year, Dublin alone has a 'Dyke March' (June 27), Pride (June 28) and Trans & Intersex Pride (July 12). Then there are all the Pride parades around the country. All of these marches are moments of unity for us, when we stand together proudly against a world that is telling us to be quiet, to be grateful for what we have, to expect less for ourselves and for other oppressed peoples. If you want to stand on the sidelines and support us, bring your kids, bring your grandparents. If you want to march with us, find a group or make a group and march with us in solidarity. The rise of hatred towards minority groups in this country terrifies me. The changes in the wider world are almost incomprehensible. Take a stand, with us, for us, together against those who would oppress us. Jess Connor, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Times have changed, but you still can't beat having a newspaper in your hands On Thursday, May 25, 1995, the final editions of the Irish Press and Evening Press were published. I remember at that time fearing it might well be the tip of the iceberg and that many other papers were likely to follow. Some did, but thankfully many are still available to accompany the pint of milk back to the breakfast table. Despite technology and the advent of various media, the 'real' news­paper is still number one in our house, as it was in the house in which I grew up in the 1950s and 60s. With regard to this canonical matter, Flann O'Brien's assertion on the 'pint of plain' could wittingly be applied, 'the paper is your only man'. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Square, Kilkenny Time to draw a line under the use of pen and paper by students in State exams That students still put pen to paper in the Leaving and Junior Certificate in our computerised world is a joke. They should leave school equipped with software development skills. Liam Doran, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Forget 'Winkgate' – Reds can still hold their heads high in spite of defeat I'm sorry to see such a massive match was soured by a cynical wink from Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse in his side's win over Munster in the URC quarter-final last Saturday. But to his credit, Jack Crowley never blinked. The Reds can still walk tall.