THE tragic events in the Ukraine have knocked the dire situation in Gaza from the number one news agenda. Axmed Bahjad (Adver 22 July) was exactly right in his strong words against Israel.

Surely a civilized society, as Israel claim they are, having such military might, have a moral responsibility and duty to show utmost restraint when it comes to avoiding civilian casualties.

Who in their right mind fires tank shells at a hospital? The Al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza was hit repeatedly by tank shells killing patients and severely wounding medical staff.

I simply do not buy the Israeli line of “If they put combatants in civilian areas they are unfortunately legitimate targets”. No, surely you simply do not fire in that situation. Let’s suppose a Hamas fighter was holed up in an Israeli apartment block holding the residents hostage and firing shots, I wonder whether the Israelis would ever consider calling in an air strike and killing everyone inside?

I’m almost certain they would take every care to ensure the safety of every single resident, but if they are Palestinians they are simply seen as collateral damage.

Or let’s suppose the British government took the same action against the IRA in the 70s, many parts of Belfast would have been flattened by bombs incurring hundreds of deaths. It’s inconceivable we would ever have done that, the British public would have been outraged, yet that’s exactly what is happening in Gaza now.

The Israelis are acting like thugs with complete impunity. I notice the BBC gave exactly the same time allowance (2 mins 30 secs) for each side’s views on the 6 oclock news, yet the situation in Gaza is one hundred times worse.

Yes, Hamas aren’t helping the situation, I’m no fan of their tactics, but the Israeli response is wholly disproportionate and will only result in creating more resentment towards them and more Palestinians lining up to join Hamas.

David Cameron needs to insist the Israelis stop their collective punishment on the Palestinian population. Many parts of Gaza which were only a few weeks ago heavily populated with apartment buildings now resemble one of the worst earthquakes you could imagine, destroyed by Israeli bombs. A war crime is happening before our eyes.

Tom Horwat, Upavon Court, Penhill, Swindon