IT does not take much to realise that all the Palestinians have to do is stop launching rocket attacks at Israel for them to stop bombing locations in the Gaza Strip.

World leaders have tried in vain to find a solution to stop the violence between the two peoples, but in reality, they have failed.

The two main reasons for this continued bitter conflict are religion and that both sides despise each other. It’s plain to see.

I get the feeling that too many people are hoping that US President-elect Barack Obama will bring everlasting peace to the Middle East, but while people are taught at such a tender age to abhor other religions and nations, the chance of peace in this troubled part of the world is, quite possibly, despairing.

Good luck, Mr Obama. I welcome the impending change in world leadership, and hope that you are indeed the new saviour of mankind.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

THERE are many conflicts around the world, but the Middle East has been a dominant war zone for decades. The latest atrocities in Gaza resulting in significant loss of life followed sustained Israeli air attacks.

It is something that must not be dismissed as a feature or symptom of the Middle East vacuum. Death in any circumstances is a painful experience and a matter for questioning by those left in its shadows.

It is acceptable for any country to defend itself. However, it is totally unacceptable for one nation to dominate, intrude or invade.

Attempts at dialogue, diplomacy and mediation have failed to sustain peace and stability. But peace has to be the objective for the Palestinian and Israeli.

Undoubtedly, there is a role for former Prime Minister Tony Blair as Middle East envoy, but also a challenge for the incoming US President, Barack Obama, and his Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.