Both sides are at fault in Israeli-Hamas conflict

When will the U.S. and Israel understand that in order to bring peace to this part of the world, a military attack/massacre is not what is needed.

The initial excuse to attack Gaza, according to Israel, is that Gaza has been firing rockets at the population of Israel for the last few years. Why are these rockets being fired at Israel? Could it be because the Palestinians have been living on the verge of a humanitarian crisis for years and continue to be under military blockade despite the cease-fire?

Could it be because of the psychological warfare used by Israel on the people of Gaza or restricting food supplies given by UNRWA/UN refugee agency, cutting electricity, limiting medical supplies, gas and fuel shortages, no access to water by 40 percent of the population in Gaza, closing the major crossings so no one can travel or leaving them with no breathing space even during the last six months of the cease-fire when hope and an end to the occupation is what they needed?

When Israel started this genocide on the people of Gaza in reply to the "showering of rockets" by Hamas, this particular attack was planned at least one year ago by Ehud Barak running for election in February, according to Martin Indyk, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel. The truce was broken on both sides.

This disproportionate attack by Israel will give a greater sense of solidarity to the Palestinians, strengthen extremism and weaken the moderates. What is needed is the end of the occupation, back to the negotiating table and reinstating the Arab Peace Accord, which has been neglected by the Bush administration for the past seven years.

It is in the interest of the U.S., Israel and the Arab nations to find a political solution and stop the end of this carnage. Patricia Ahmad Agoura Hills