I am an Israeli supporter. But the outrageous statements from the likes of Charles Krauthammer that there is no humanitarian crises in Gaza go way too far. ("Israel in a state of disarmament," June 7.)

While Israel did remove settlements from Gaza, it has maintained a blockade of Gaza, claiming security reasons. No one wants to see Hamas receive weapons for use against Israel, but a quick look at items on the prohibited list makes one wonder what Israel really wants.

The list includes sage, cardamom, jam, vinegar, chocolate, fruit preserves, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, biscuits, sweets, fresh meat, fabric for clothing, fishing rods, musical instruments, writing implements, notebooks, newspapers, toys, razors, heaters, horses, donkeys, goats, cattle and chicks.

It's becoming hard to see this action as little more than collective punishment. It is a tactic the Israelis, of all people, should rail against.

The truly sad thing about this blockade is that if Israel ends it, Hamas will be seen as the victor. And if Israel continues it, Hamas will be seen as the victim.

Because of the blind ideology of people like Mr. Krauthammer and the current Israeli leadership, Israel loses. It is a sad time for such a great people.

Editor's note: Since this letter was submitted, Israel amended the embargo list to allow a wider variety of food, such as potato crisps, biscuits, canned fruit, packaged humous, soft drinks and juice, into Gaza.