I wonder if a start to solving the problem of the Gaza Strip would be for us British to acknowledge that we made contradictory promises to both the Jews and the Arabs in 1917 with the Balfour Declaration, offering the Jews backing for a homeland in Palestine.

Lord Balfour, the then Foreign Secretary, added: “It being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine”.

Britain followed through on the first undertaking (to the Jews) but reneged on the second (to the Arabs).

Mr A B Chapman,

Flag Court,

Courtenay Terrace,

Hove