KEVIN MCSTRAVICK (HAS, July 10) claims that the three Jewish teenagers were kidnapped and murdered by “members of the terrorist organisation Hamas”, who “intended to provoke Israel into a response”.

I am no supporter of Hamas, but this is highly unlikely. It is possible that the crime was committed by rogue elements within Hamas, but it would not have been planned or authorised by the leadership. Hamas has denied involvement. Why would it do that if it “intended” to provoke a response? Having lost Egypt’s support, Hamas is not in a strong position.

Why would it authorise an action which would be bound to undo its political achievements, bring death, destruction and economic collapse to Gaza, and jeopardise its best hope for the future, the unity government with Fatah in the West Bank?

The Israeli government and security services have been unable to produce any evidence to implicate Hamas in this dreadful crime, so if Mr McStravick has evidence, I’m sure they would be pleased to hear from him.

Pete Winstanley Durham.