THE double standards displayed by the EU are breathtaking. On one hand Russia, accused of complicity in the shooting down of an aircraft by a rebel group, is being threatened with sanctions.

On the other hand, Israel continues its murderous assault on the trapped citizens of Gaza, with more than 1,000 killed, including many children, and not a whisper of complaint.

Rose Reeve, Durham.

PETER Mullen asserts that Hamas must go before peace is possible in Gaza.

For 50 years before Hamas existed there was no peace.

Both sides are to blame, but Israel’s continual building of new settlements on Araboccupied land and its refusal to abide by UN resolutions must be a prime cause, as must its seven year old blockade of Gaza.

Eric Gendle, Middlesbrough.

THE American playwright Ben Hecht said in the 1940’s that there was a song in his heart every time a British soldier was killed.

I have never forgotten this since hearing it whilst at school in the 1950’s. The remark was made in relation to the creation of the state of Israel, a spectacularly bloody event which well illustrates the saying “yesterday’ s terrorists, today’s freedom fighters, tomorrow’s government”.

Many Israelis clearly have shorter memories; regrettably so do our elected representatives. The problems in the Middle East are not simple, but a little historical perspective might result in a fairer deal for the people of Gaza.

Graham Hunsley, Darlington.