PETE WINSTANLEY claims that it is “highly unlikely” Hamas kidnapped and murdered three Israeli children and that their leadership have denied any involvement (Echo, July 9).

On Monday, the Hamas leadership stated that it is not firing rockets into Israel from civilian areas. Are we to believe that too? Considering Israel has thwarted 64 kidnap attempts of its citizens by Hamas since the beginning of 2013, Pete’s claim is absurd. His claim that Israel is unable to link the crime to Hamas is also untrue as it has already named the suspected culprits, including Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri.

Pete also questions why Hamas would want to provoke Israel into bringing death,destruction and economic collapse to Gaza.

To minimise civilian casualties in its impending military operation into Northern Gaza, Israel has advised residents to evacuate their homes.

The Hamas response is as follows: “To all of our people who have evacuated their homes – return to them immediately and do not leave the house. You must follow the directives of the interior ministry.”

Why would Hamas force women and children to remain in a battle zone?

Kev Mcstravick, Darlington.