“By any constructive political logic, Hamas’ action serves no aim that might benefit the people of Gaza. Whatever they might legitimately want was given to them by the Israelis in 2005. Israel withdrew. It was a painful act, and one that caused deep divisions, as well as personal suffering, within Israel itself.

“In effect, Israel said to the Palestinians of Gaza, the land is yours. The farms, the buildings, the factories our people built – they are all yours. If you need aid, we will give it or facilitate it. We hereby give you everything. That was when the terror should have stopped. Instead, that is when a new wave of terror began.

“Israel left Lebanon. That is when Hizbollah started stockpiling and firing Katyushas. Israel spent seven years in a peace process with the Palestinians. The Palestinians responded by an unprecedented wave of suicide bombings. Israel withdrew from Gaza. Hamas responded with missiles.”

From the mail-out of the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks