Without Sinwar, peace is near if Bibi wants it
San Francisco: A firefight in southern Gaza, where Israeli infantry had encountered a handful of Hamas terrorists, inadvertently resulted in Israel’s elimination of Yahwa Sinwar, the intransigent, bloodthirsty, diabolical mastermind of the Oct. 7 holocaust and hostage-taking of innocent Israelis and foreign nationals. It is a strange twist of fate that this man — likely the most-wanted Israeli target in the entire region — was killed as a byproduct of Israeli soldiers being attacked and defending themselves.
The killing of Sinwar, in conjunction with the previous “removal” of deceased former political leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh, opens the door to a Pan-Arab solution to Gaza, which would have the possibility of a peacekeeping force that can lead to a demilitarized situation, providing autonomy — if not an immediate state — to the Palestinians.
This presents an opportunity for Benjamin Netanyahu to transition from a wartime prime minister to one who oversees a peaceful reconstruction of Gaza. But is Bibi willing and able to stand up to the extremist, hardline members of his cabinet who would rather fully absorb the West Bank and Gaza? If he can not stand up to them, then elections must occur that would allow Israel the potential for peace. The economic costs of a permanent occupation of Gaza are too great to bear, but the emotional costs — the dispiriting of a people desperate for peace and joy — is a far greater burden.
Iran, the deadly wolf at the door, will not cede its quest for geopolitical influence easily. But this is an opportunity for cooperation that could substantially minimize its threat to the region and the world. Bruce Farrell Rosen
Mission accomplished
Clearwater, Fla.: Bravo and congratulations to Netanyahu, who accomplished his mission of killing Oct. 7 Hamas leader and mastermind Yahya Sinwar. Netanyahu cowers at nothing as he continues to defend and protect his tiny Jewish state. He will not be undermined and told how to fight a war by anyone — not even President Biden, who threw him under the bus and refused to give him needed weapons. As the world has witnessed, the Israel Defense Forces are focused and determined, and their precision operations are second to none. Not only is this a victory for Israel and a turning point in the war, this is a “Ding-dong, the witch is dead” moment. In the final analysis, Israel shall prevail. JoAnn Lee Frank
Killing brings no peace
Roosevelt, L.I.: Hamas leader and confirmed mass murderer Yahya Sinwar — the mastermind and architect of the horrific Oct. 7 slaughter of 1,200 innocent people, the deadliest terror attack in the history of modern-day Israel — being eliminated by the Israeli military in Gaza is, from a strategic military perspective, justice served. On the other hand, the immoral, misplaced anger of Netanyahu and his military’s unjust slaughter of more than 40,000 innocent Palestinians in Gaza is genocide; unacceptable mass murder. Two wrongs will never make a right. Ceasefire! Free all the hostages! Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Let us pray and protest for the people of Gaza! Arthur L. Mackey Jr.
Unheeded advice
Queens Village: If the Israeli army listened to Biden warning them not to go into Rafah, they would not have gotten the Hamas leader. Another example of why some people think Biden is the worst president ever. He seems to always be wrong. Frank Barnett
Icon either way
Ridgewood, N.J.: Picture a defeated, wounded and exhausted old man defending his homeland with a stick! The Israelis created a martyr and hero to many, yet he is a villain to many others. Many will not mourn his death, as it opens a possibility of peace in Gaza. Others will mourn the death of a hero resisting oppression to his last breath. Peter J. Peirano
Talent’s tragedy
Hallandale Beach, Fla.: We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Liam Payne. He was more than a voice we cherished; he was a soul who touched millions with his talent, kindness and humility. His music became the soundtrack of our lives. Beyond the stage, Liam’s bravery in sharing his struggles reminded us that it’s OK to not be OK — that vulnerability is a strength. We mourn the loss of an incredible artist and a beautiful human being who gave us so much. Rest in peace, Liam. Your legacy will live on in every heart you inspired, every lyric you sang and in the love you left behind. We will forever miss you! Paul Bacon
Teachers’ helpers
Brooklyn: Friday’s “Baldo” comic strip illustrated a tragic and shameful but real situation in our public schools. Supplies are so low that they must be provided by parents and teachers out of their own pockets. For this reason, I would like to bring attention to the charity “Donors Choose,” where you can contribute to a public school teacher’s projects online for any amount that you wish. You can choose the school and class as well. Please consider this site if you would like to help our public school teachers and kids. Lee Crespi
Better and worse
North Bergen, N.J.: When Donald Trump was in office, our borders were sealed tight. Under the Biden-Harris administration, they opened up the borders. When Trump was in office, our economy was great and inflation was 1.3%. Under Biden-Harris, we can’t afford food and inflation is at 9%. Kamala Harris stated that she would not change a thing she and Biden did. Why are you allowing these college-educated newscasters to act stupid? Why don’t they do research on these facts? Yes, Harris will win, but we will be known as the Migrant States, not the United States, of America. Linda Andreula
Slasher prez
Far Rockaway: Voicer Sandra Weiss stated that Kamala Harris is a “sad excuse for a fill-in,” and I had to respond. More than 1 million people have died of COVID-19 in this country, according to the CDC. Due to Trump’s sad excuses, this country suffered mightily. If Trump has his way, he will eliminate government agencies as outlined in Project 2025. No doubt, the CDC will be one of them. Pick your battles carefully. I voted for democracy, not autocracy. Ora Reed
On their watch
Mineola, L.I.: To Voicer James Dulong: Kamala’s statement to Trump that “Putin would eat you for lunch!” couldn’t be more ridiculous. The fact is that for four years under Trump, there were no wars or aggression by Putin. For the last three-plus years, he’s been having the Biden/Harris team for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Wake up to reality, please. James Formato
Party affiliations
Merrick, L.I.: As a student of history, I must respond to Voicer Gerald Browne regarding his letter about the Civil War and the Founding Fathers. The Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery, which the Confederacy (Democrats) wanted to expand into the Western states. The North (Republicans) opposed this, causing 11 Southern states to secede from the Union. As to Browne’s assertion that the war was fought over treason and insurrection, this is somewhat true. What he fails to write is that it was the Confederacy’s (Democrats’) attempt to take over the government in order to allow expansion of slavery into the Western states. Much like the national media, Browne has omitted facts of history, trying to rewrite it into his own narrative to support his viewpoints. To try to flip history and tie it to a problem of Republicans is immoral. Donald Ziminski
Blame the suits
Brooklyn: Re Pat Leonard’s commentary (“Everybody is judging everybody,” Oct. 18) that Saquon Barkley will be under heavy pressure in Giants Stadium “as the boos rain down from scorned New York fans”: The Giants summarily cut Barkley against his will. He didn’t want to leave. So, a word like “defect” is clearly not apropos nor accurate. It’s reminiscent of the Giants not wanting to pay Lawrence Taylor his worth. Their problem then was that a new league was starting up, and the Generals (owned by Donald Trump) made LT an offer. As Leonard’s article shows, Barkley isn’t the only player the Giants’ front office screwed. In the NFL, loyalty is a one-way trip. Herman Kolender
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