While I agree with Phyllis Rubin’s letter, “How do we show we care about both sides?” [Viewpoints, June 12], I also believe that there is a third, powerful side — Hamas.
Most of the media has neglected to discuss Hamas. However, in the Sunday New York Times, June 12, the front page has the heading, “Gazans Voice Their Distress Under Hamas,” which presents a 47-year-old Gazan man who stated, “Hamas always acts in its own interests. It started Oct. 7, and it wants to end on its own terms. … Hamas is still seeking its slice of power” (since it seized control of the territory in 2007 and kept its people impoverished and captive). “Hamas does not know how to get down from the tree it climbed.”
Other Gazans who spoke to the Times claimed that Hamas knew it was starting a devastating war with Israel that would cause heavy civilian casualties, but it did not provide any food, water or shelter to help people survive it.
Therefore, let us include Hamas’ treacherous role when we all discuss ways to peace in the Middle East.
Hinda Blum
Oak Park