RICHARD Udall took exception to Peter Nielsen's letter, by claiming that Israel has the right to exist (You Say, May 7).

Fortunately for Israel, they have a state to defend and protect. However, the same cannot be said for the unfortunate Palestinians, because they have been made virtually stateless in their own land.

For the last 35 years, Israel has been building and settling her people on land they captured in the Six-Day war.

The letter also described the Palestinian suicide bombers as cowards. These suicide bombers may be misguided, but they are certainly not cowards.

I suppose the Israeli army was acting courageously when it fired tank shells and used helicopter gunships against Palestinian youths.

L SPITERI, Worcester.

n I AGREE with the sentiments expressed by Michael Clift in regard to Israel, (You Say, May 8)

The British media often refers to Israel as a "client" state of the USA. I find this absolutely ludicrous because, one word from any American President, and Israel invariably does as it likes!

In fact, Israel's many sympathisers in the States are the main financial backers of both the Republican and Democratic parties. It's a case of he who pays the piper, calls the tune.

D E MARGRETT, Worcester.