To the editor:

 I have friends in Israel, and have closely known people who were persecuted in the Holocaust.

Of course, I am outraged by the barbaric actions of Hamas. Such indiscriminate murder and hostage-taking can never be justified.

BUT, Israel, in its rage must not take revenge on the entire population of Gaza. It is equally barbaric to bomb civilians indiscriminately and purposely cut off access to food, water and electricity. Besides, these actions are not making Israelis safer, only adding to the cycle of hatred.

I strongly object to President Biden’s response with more military power for Israel in the face of these actions. More innocent Palestinians who have nothing to do with Hamas will die.

What is needed is for the United States, with its powerful authority and influence, to step in and prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Nothing will be gained by continued military action except for more senseless death.

And through all this, Congress must make itself heard. One would hope that this would be a moment for them to reclaim their constitutional authority to rule on matters of war.

Our congressional leaders must step up and bring some clarity and sanity to an escalating catastrophe.

Muriel Cohan,

Lawrence