To the Editor:

Edmund Hanauer's absurd argument that Israel is more of an impediment to peace than Hamas is completely removed from realities on the ground ("Don't Blame Hamas," July 6).

Rather than acknowledge Hamas for the terrorist entity that it is, Hanauer prefers to ignore Hamas' involvement in the operation onto Israeli soil, killing two Israelis soldiers and kidnapping a third and its ongoing participation in and encouragement of the launching of Katyushas at Israeli civilian centers.  

Hanauer also ignores the many bold steps Israel has taken for peace starting with extensive concessions to the Palestinians at Camp David in 2000 that could have led, if used constructively by Palestinians, to a Palestinian state; and followed by its disengagement from Gaza last summer and plans for further withdrawals from the West Bank.