A year after the cruel assault on the people of Gaza, Sunday's news of Hamas and Fatah trying to reconcile their differences at the invitation of the Egyptian government is almost surreal. While Palestinian reconciliation would be welcome, it is difficult to believe the Egyptian government has the Palestinian people's best interests at heart. We must remember that Egypt is constructing a steel wall sealing off Gaza from its side of the border, thereby strangulating the besieged people of Gaza even more. Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and, lest we forget, those languishing in the refugee camps on Israel's borders, deserve a just solution to their 62-year struggle for freedom. The international community, including Ireland, should unconditionally support an end to Israeli occupation and aggression.

Claudia Saba,

Irish Anti war Movement,

PO Box 9260, Dublin 1.