To the Editor:

The dilemmas facing Israel in dealing with Gaza are more complicated than those presented by Nicholas D. Kristof ("Strengthening Extremists," June 19).

On one side, it is not always the case that strong action by Israel against Hamas, even when it has an impact on the broader population, strengthens the extremists.  In the past, Hamas at times suspended its attacks on Israel because the public in Gaza resented the destruction brought upon their society because of Hamas-initiated violence.  This is not to negate Kristof's point, to wit that sometimes these approaches only strengthen the extremists, but to say that there historically have been mixed results.

On the other side of the ledger, at least sometimes Israel's experience is when it does take steps to improve the lives of Palestinians in Gaza it also leads to a strengthening of Hamas.  Let's remember that by far Israel's biggest move in that regard was then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, which could and should have revolutionized Palestinian life there and created a vital force for moderation.  Instead, Hamas took credit for "forcing" Israel out, and the rest is history.

Israel needs to consider Kristof's argument, but its experience shows that it is only one element in a highly complicated situation.  In the final analysis, Palestinians themselves have to decide that living in peace with Israel is the only path to a better life.