From: Ismail Zayid

To: Globe & Mail

Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007 2:17 PM

Subject: Who lacks neutrality?

Dec. 22, 2007

The Editor,

The Globe & Mail

Dear Editor:

Shira Herzog, in her book review, of [" Lords of the Land" by Idith Zertal and Akiva Eldar], {"An unsettling occupation" Dec. 22}, states that the authors ;" are anything but neutral." If anyone lacks neutrality on this issue, it is Shira Herzog. By inserting the statements that Israel is an "occupier" and the Palestinians as " occupied', in inverted commas, she appears to question the existence of this occupation. International law and repeated Security Council resolutions affirm that it is an occupation and it is illegal and must be terminated.

She goes on to question the authors' view, by stating: " The Palestinians, who the authors feel are most grievously affected by the settlements, are absolved of all responsibilty." Pray, do we understand that she contends that the Palestinians allowed the creation of these illegal settlements, and the settlers are the invited and welcome guests?

It is time that Israel's apologists must begin to understand that Israel cannot remain above international law.

Sincerely,

Ismail Zayid, MD.