Sylvia Dunn asks why British governments allocate money to overseas aid (Letters, April 17).

One of the primary reasons is that it follows a pattern.

Over the centuries the ethics of the New Testament have shaped our collective decisions.

A majority of us as individuals - whether taxpayers, politicians or law makers - has consistently consulted our conscience, and recognised that we have a duty to provide economic help to our ‘neighbours’, that is fellow humans whom we see about us who are worse off than ourselves. To our credit our laws on the distribution of wealth, though far from perfect, reflect this acknowledged duty.

Globalisation of news makes us increasingly aware of millions of people around the world whose standard of living and quality of life is inferior to that of even the poorest amongst us.

Knowing their plight we cannot, in conscience, exclude them from the recognised duty to offer whatever help we are able collectively to provide.

Maurice Vassie,

Deighton

Lack of compassion for people in Gaza

I FELT sad when I read J Summerfield’s letter (The Press, April 12), because it appears to lack compassion for people living under siege, and seeking justice.

It is important to remember that the vast majority of people in Gaza are refugees.

They are people who were driven from there to towns and villages, in and around Jaffa in 1948, when Israel was created.

I believe all refugees, wherever they are, have the right to return to their homeland. Surely this hope of return should never be denied.

Families in Gaza have been living with an Israeli enforced blockade for 10 years. This has disastrous consequences for health and well-being.

Children with cancer are regularly denied permission to leave Gaza to receive a full course of life-saving treatment in Jerusalem, effectively a death sentence. This year marks 70 years since families in Gaza were made refugees.

If Israeli Defence Forces shoot to kill those who choose to resist and protest this huge injustice I believe they, the IDF, are committing crimes against humanity and not as suggested by J Summerfield.

Medical Aid for Palestinians is a UK-based charity working for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees, including those in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. For more information see www.map.org.uk

Sue Cooke,

Windmill Rise, York