Letter: Middle East Conflict

What is taking place in the Middle East is truely tragic. I don't understand why the blame seems to placed on Israel. We can't forget that Hamas is a governing body just like Israel. The one main difference is Israels army wear uniforms where Hamas wears everyday clothes and hide amongst those they govern. Hamas was elected into power by the people of Gaza. Hamas has preached since day one that Israel has no right to exist and should be totally wipped out. They have not returned the Hostages taken on Oct 7th and are using them as pawns. They raped and murdered in cold blood without provocation. Israel is now at war with another government to protect it's citizens. If Hamas had not attacked Israel and raped, murdered, and taken hostages, this tragic event would not be happening. Hamas in essence declared war on Israel. If Hamas would lay down their arms and return the hostages this tragedy would not be taking place.