To the Editor:

Your editorial suggests that for the peace process to gain traction, Israel and the United States should seek an immediate ceasefire in Gaza ("Ceasefire for Gaza," March 5).  But it is really the other way around: The onus must first be on Hamas to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel.

Let's be clear: Hamas remains committed to the destruction of Israel and repeatedly has sought to derail the process begun in Annapolis.  The rocket attacks from Gaza are purposefully designed to stop any progress made by moderate Palestinian leaders and to forward their "eternal struggle" against Israel.

Hamas has shown no sign that these attacks will stop soon, leaving Israeli civilians in a constant state of fear and Israel's leaders with no other options short of military force.  You call these attacks "disproportionate." But would Great Britain or any other sovereign nation tolerate more than 1,000 rocket attacks without striking back?  What's more, Israel is careful to minimize civilian casualties, while Hamas aims to kill as many civilians as possible.

The demand by the international community that Hamas renounce violence and recognize Israel's right to exist is the minimum necessary to ensure that Hamas has abandoned its goal of annihilating Israel. 

Obviously, given Hamas' ongoing belligerence and terrorism, that day has not yet come.