HOW tragic that the British and American governments could not do anything to save their hostages in Syria.

When will our politicians end their stupid, cold, hard-hearted policy of not negotiating with terrorists.

It is a stupid policy because it achieves nothing. Terrorists still take hostages, still get money and still commit acts of terror.

End this policy now. Other countries do negotiate with terrorists.

As for letter writers who wear “I love Israel” blinkers, they should realise that Israelis have killed 2,000 people in Gaza this year alone.

Michael Ellis, Gormire Avenue, Huntington, York.