I READ with interest many letters about Israel being a "terrorist" state involved in the persecution of Muslims and occupying Palestine.

I think you will find if you read the history, Jewish people evolved from the Canaan tribes about 1800BC.

You will also find that Arab/Muslim armies entered Palestine in the 7th Century and Jerusalem with the Jews was protected by Caliph Umar as they were the original inhabitants of that area.

Palestine has had many conquerors from the Crusaders to the Romans, the Seljuk Turks.

The whole country has such a history of different rulers and religions to simply say "Israel is the terrorist force" is nothing short of anti-semitic.

I notice on the Muslim Council of Britain website they constantly berate the Israelis and they are meant to be moderate!

Why shouldn't the Israelis have a place to call home they have been there since about 1800BC?

ROBERT MacNEALL, Ottershaw Gardens, Blackburn.