Readers’ thoughts one year on from Gaza war

Welcome to openDemocracy’s weekly reader comments round-up. We receive so many carefully considered messages about our work, it seemed a shame to keep them to ourselves!

You can send your thoughts to be included in next week’s round-up by replying directly to any of our emails or commenting on our articles.

These comments have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length, and aren’t necessarily a reflection of openDemocracy's editorial position.

Re. How to find hope and common ground one year into Gaza war

Thank you for publishing this interview today of all days while the media is marking the anniversary of 7 October 2023. The horrors committed by both sides in this conflict, and the obsession they both have on obliterating one another are continuously aired. It is a relief to read Gabrielle Rifkind’s words, and to find out more about The Oxford Process – and be given a tiny modicum of hope. Less outrage and more dispassionate attempts to understand, please! –Leonora Pitt

Great article. I agree that people want to live in peace but when they are grieving it’s hard to not want to hurt those that have hurt them. It’s a vicious cycle. A full blown war appears to be in the future because the politicians are escalating the situation instead of helping people to heal and try to live in harmony with each other. –Vee Lavallee

This is a great article. Wars only end when the opponents talk to one another. We might have a greater chance of peace if Israel did not have the ongoing unconditional support from the US but there is no hope for this until the next President is decided. And yes we do need to talk to Iran. –John Boyd

The work that Gabrielle is doing is obviously of the utmost importance. This piece did not do her work, and the subject generally, the justice it deserves. My concern is that it might fuel the scepticism that is undoubtedly out there as regards the reconciliation approach. –Paul Allender

Re. European Union funds charity that compares abortion to Holocaust

Surely this is an example of a lack of due diligence on the part of the EU? Clearly the aims and purposes of this organisation were not investigated sufficiently before Erasmus funds were allocated. Is this an isolated example? This type of mistake is manna to all those in the UK with a vested interest in denigrating the EU and putting up blocks to closer relations, particularly for young people. –Betty Rider

At the moment there are no real issues in Wales when it comes to abortion. It’s by no means easy but gives one time to process. However, laws can change very quickly and can go unnoticed, until it affects one personally. –Francesca Macari

What is perhaps most vexing is that funds from the ERASMUS scheme seem to be getting allocated under the ‘education’ umbrella. ERASMUS needs its funds for true educational opportunity for open-minded, rational, non-bigoted seekers after knowledge for the furtherance of civilization and tolerance. The US Christian right has managed to gain enormous political power – evidenced by Trump jumping on the anti-abortion band-wagon and subverting the justice system with his appointment of an anti-abortion faction in the Supreme Court. –Hugh Martin Kilbey

Re. Interview: Harris or Trump doesn’t matter for Gaza genocide

Democracy is dead, in both the UK and US. Sunak or Starmer? Biden or Harris? No wonder people of all ages are fed up with this performative, empty shell of democracy. –John Wood

I am appalled at western governments' failure to intervene in Israel's genocide of Palestinians. We should have stopped selling weapons to them very soon after it began and if they continued their murderous campaign we should have brought severe sanctions against Israel. The west should be ashamed of their part in this tragedy and do their utmost to stop Israel’s campaign of hate and insist on a two-state solution, policed by the UN! –Andrea Taylor

Re. Plans to spy on Disabled people’s bank accounts show Labour isn’t for change

It’s not just disabled people. It’s all of us, And not just to spy on them, to control them too. We have seen that benefit claimants, political dissidents and refugees have already found their spending subject to government approval. They must do as they are told or be cut off.

Stopping the winter fuel payments unless you sign up for a means-tested benefit is part of this. The payments were and are just an attempt to win votes and the present government no longer feels any need to do that. –John Wood