Release hostages

Release hostages

Betel Tuna is deluded. Hamas are not freedom fighters (“Hamas hailed by ‘local hero”’, HS, 12/8).

Hamas have been the invaders in every war that Israel has fought.

Freedom fighters do not attack unsuspecting music festivals killing 1200 innocent women and children and violating their bodies. That is terrorism.

Every time there has been the possibility of a peace agreement Hamas back off.

If they were genuine they would return the hostages.

Patricia Correa, Traralgon

Hamas already rules

With due respect, the suggestion of Nelson Mandela, Ho Chi Minh, Jomo Kenyatta and Gerry Adams having some equivalence to the Hamas cause is stretching a long bow (“Future leaders”, Letters, 13/8).

The former mentioned individuals led struggles to independence from what was seen as colonial rule of their respective countries.

Hamas already rules Gaza and rejects the notion of peace, unless a neighbour, Israel, is wiped out.

A look at history will show that the Jews are actually the “first nations” people anyway, but somehow the false term of them being “colonisers” has crept into the narrative.

Frank Basile, Wantirna

Know our enemies

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess is at it again, playing games about a perceived enemy within.

Forget the niceties about diplomacy, we have a right to know who is spying or undermining our way of life (“Friends’ harmful benefits”, HS, 12/8).

Better the enemy we know than the one we don’t.

Our spy chief should lift his game as I think it’s most relevant for our security.

Michael Warwick, Macclesfield