FOR many years now Israel has sought to control the lives of others; preventing sick children travelling from Gaza to Jerusalem for life saving medical treatment, keeping families apart, and preventing Palestinian sports teams getting together to practice in their own land.

I have a friend with two young children, sadly the children are growing up without knowing their grandparents who are not allowed to leave Gaza to visit their young family here.

Neither are the family allowed to return to Gaza to re-unite with their parents and grandparents, because of Israeli policy.

I now hear there is some indignation from Israel that their chess team has been “banned” from attending the first World Chess Championships in Saudi Arabia.

I am hoping this will give the team and others in Israel time to reflect on how it really feels and the disastrous effects their policies have on the lives of others.

Sue Cooke, Windmill Rise,