Labor’s lack of strong response encouraging terrorism

After reading the commentary by Peter Jennings, it is clear terrorism gained credence when no negative verbal response or action emanated from world humanitarian bodies after the atrocities of October 7, 2023 (“President thunders, but it’s Hamas hell that may rain down”, 12/2).

The Hamas hierarchy has recognised the Albanese government as a surrogate empathiser for their delusional cause.

In fact, once they release the remainder of the tortured hostages (those who are still alive), their cover will be gone. Various commentaries point to the “radicalisation process” that is the death knell to democratic society.

It is a most pessimistic prospect, but we pray that, come Saturday next, the surviving hostages will finally breathe fresh air again.

Aviva Rothschild, Caulfield North, Vic

Anyone who thinks Hamas will ever negotiate in good faith with Israel is delusional.

As was demonstrated by the atrocities they perpetrated during their October 7, 2023 incursion and by their treatment of hostages, they are capable of inhuman savagery and cruelty. Hamas derives great satisfaction from tormenting Israel with the enduring agony of the hostages – a consideration, in their eyes, perhaps as important as any advantage to be extracted from a deal.

Terry Birchley, Bundaberg, Qld

Peter Jennings has hit the nail on the head with his comment that Hamas has just one very powerful bargaining tool: hostages.

I believe Hamas would not allow itself to be in a position of holding no hostages. Releasing the current hostages does not mean there will be no more hostage taking in the future.

Ralph Hilmer, Randwick, NSW

If and when Hamas releases the bodies of those hostages who have not survived, what spectacle will they put on at the handover? How will they spin the story then?

Ruth Franklin, St Ives, NSW

The television coverage of the return of Israeli hostages, the appalling parading and harassment by black-masked Hamas gunmen of three fragile men should show the world the absurd unfairness of this ceasefire “deal”.

I don’t hear a peep from the rest of the world.

Joan Jacobi, Spring Hill, Qld

When a patient is admitted to an Australian hospital, one of the questions asked on admission is, what religion are you?

With the emergence of video evidence of two NSW public hospital nurses claiming they would refuse to treat Jewish patients and one saying “I’ll kill them”, it appears that we have reached the stage that Australian Jewish hospital patients cannot list their ­religion for fear of their lives.

What has Australia become in 2025?

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

After the reported anti-Semitism incident at a Sydney hospital, it looks like every medical worker, from orderlies and nurses right through to specialists, should take a signed oath that states equal care to all patients regardless of religion or nationality.

It would be similar to the Hippocratic oath doctors take but this one would have mandatory penalties, including deporting non-Australian citizens working here on visas. These Israel and Jew-hating anti-Semites have no fear of the gutless Albanese government’s inaction.

It’s time to bring out the big stick and hold it over their heads.

Shane Porter, Elanora, Qld

After the news report that NSW Health has stood down two nurses for threatening, in an online video, to kill Israeli patients, it seems our society’s divisions are now such that many Jewish patients in our medical system may well be anxious or even terrified if they find themselves being treated by anti-Jewish staff.

A horrible situation for Jews and Muslims alike. Thank you, Labor.

Anthony Caughey, Elwood, Vic

So a “safe room” for Jewish students at Macquarie and Sydney Universities is sufficient to stop Jewish students fearing for their safety (“Uni sets up safe room for Jewish students”, 12/2)?

OK, so that means that campuses, for example, can be violently anti-gay or anti-black as long as there are “safe rooms” for these gay or black students? Do you think that would be acceptable?

M. Perlman, Randwick, NSW