I WAS outraged by the letter from Fiona Himsworth entitled "No way to live" (Evening Press, July 13).

She states herself that she does not understand the complexities behind the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but then proceeds to write a totally nave and uninformed letter.

She states the Palestinians should not be subjected to the constant fear and pressure that they are under.

Really? What about the Israelis who have to live in constant fear of suicide bombers and gunmen that kill innocent civilians?

The UN created the Israeli territory. Almost immediately war was declared on Israel by its Arab neighbours. Israel outfought them all to win further territory.

The blame for the Palestinians' fate rests clearly on their own shoulders, for they have created the current climate of hate and war. Israel does not knowingly kill innocents. Palestinians do.

They celebrated the death of more than 2,000 Americans on 9/11. Is that an act of a peace-loving people?

Israelis have the right and duty to protect themselves from those militants who seek to destroy them.

In America, blacks were repressed, killed and brutalised for more than a century.

Through non-violent measures, they were able to overcome their oppression and integrate into society.

Palestinians should take heed of the Catholic leader Martin Luther King if they truly want peace and follow his example of non-violent protest.

Mr King changed the world by not resorting to violence. He is a true leader and example for the rest of the world.

Brian Balejcsik,

Woodstock,

Georgia,

USA.

Updated: 10:19 Friday, July 15, 2005