Peace has a chance if weapons and hate are abandoned

The imminent release of the remaining hostages is a moment of profound relief for Israel and for all who value human life.

In return, Israel will free thousands of convicted Palestinian terrorists – a painful but necessary trade. Once every living hostage is home, Hamas loses its stranglehold over Israel. Even if some Hamas leaders agree to disarm or go into exile, that will not silence those still committed to their charter’s goal of destroying Israel. A true peace requires that they abandon their doctrine of hate as well as their weapons.

With hostages no longer at risk, the Israel Defence Forces will have greater freedom to act against renewed Hamas attacks. Liberal democracies must now stand firmly with Israel against this death cult, for if it is not eradicated its poison will spread far beyond the Middle East. Anthony Albanese must not blink at this important juncture.

John Whiteing, Willoughby, NSW

Hamas started a war against Israel by its actions on October 7. This has gone badly for the people of Gaza. So the plan B for Hamas has been to leave the people of Gaza exposed with no civil defence and use their suffering to mount a worldwide propaganda campaign to mobilise opinion against Israel.

Hamas has lost the shooting war but has won a well-funded propaganda war. The release of hostages should see the end of major warfare but the suffering of the people of Gaza will continue while Hamas seeks to drive the Jews out of Israel.

Those who chant “From the river to the sea” guarantee ongoing disaster for Gaza.

Alan Woodward, South Melbourne, Vic

Seriously, what do these “pro-Palestine” activists actually want? Their tactics mirror Hamas: they make demands, then shift the goalposts when concessions are offered. It’s not about solutions, it’s about disruption. They thrive on chaos, never satisfied, always agitating. This isn’t principled protest; it’s mischief masquerading as moral outrage.

John Field, Coolum Beach, Qld

With peace imminent, there is a chance for those who stand for Palestine to stand in Palestine. That’s right. Help will be needed for food and aid distribution, election of shelters and so on. Here’s your chance to help, to immerse yourself in the culture, learn the language, to embrace sharia law.

John Murray, West End, Qld

There is hope of peace in the Israeli-Hamas war. Among the plethora of Palestinian flags in protest rallies throughout Australia not one Ukrainian flag was to be seen.

Who really cares about the war in Ukraine, civil war in Syria, Yemen or Nigeria, and conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Sudan and Ethiopia? What is the real purpose of these rallies? Is the word “peace” in the frontline of their agendas?

Susanne Hodge, Paddington, Qld

It is high time that Australian governments, particularly the federal, Victorian and NSW governments, became proactive in support of Australia’s Jewish population.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s welcome to the supposed refugees from Gaza due to the war started by Hamas was a real slap in the face to all Australian Jews living in fear of their lives. In so far as Burke and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are concerned, I have yet to see them embrace Jewish citizens and give them a governmental assurance that they will receive special protection.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

In recent months many thousands have marched with great passion, waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Gaza.

The strength of their feelings has been unmistakeable. One wonders, however, whether that same enthusiasm will be sustained when the time comes for something far more tangible than marching; namely, the funding of the enormous task of rebuilding Gaza.

Demonstrations cost little more than time and conviction; reconstruction will require real sacrifice, generosity and long-term commitment.

If those who marched truly wish to see Gaza rise from the ruins, their banners will need to be matched by donations and practical support. Real solidarity is measured not only in words and symbols but in deeds.

John Loughnan, Mosman, NSW