I write in response to Elliott Epstein’s Jan. 14 column, “Israel has no choice but to fight this way.”

This is well stated; a great explanation of where Israel is at.

This area of the world has been at war since creation. Hamas pummeled Gaza with 3,000-plus rockets and other artillery, attacking and kidnapping civilians as well as a music festival. They killed 1,100-plus people, including 36 children, 71 foreign nationals and 370-plus security personnel. Around 250 civilians and soldiers were taken as hostages, 30 of which were children.

I’m sorry for the Palestinian civilians, but they voted the Hamas in power, and they asked for it.

Would we stand aside if they had hit us? I don’t think so.

Cal Brown, Litchfield