I am staggered that David Morrison's response to my letter doesn't contain a single word of criticism of the Hamas charter (Write Back, July 18).

The Hamas charter calls for the destruction of Israel and looks forward to the killing of Jews everywhere as a glorious day of judgment.

David seems to be saying that to have sympathy for the Palestinians requires turning a blind eye to the racism, fascism and anti-Semitism of the leading political party in Palestine.

He resorts to a very one-sided and partial account of the Arab-Israel dispute to excuse what, in most people's eyes, is the inexcusable, the Hamas call for genocide against the Jewish people. It is regrettable that many of those who claim to be in solidarity with the Palestinian people are prepared to remain silent on the murderous aspirations of the Hamas charter.

This is because it undermines the simplicity of their often ideologically-driven hatred of Israel.

By remaining silent they show they have little to offer any settlement based on Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace.

This outcome is desired by most Israelis and many Palestinians, but is utterly unacceptable to Hamas.

Adam Stevens

Hendon, London