To the Editor:

''Israel and the Blockade'' (editorial, June 2) raises important questions about the motives of the supporters of the Gaza-bound flotilla stopped in international waters by Israel. Yet the conclusion that the incident should lead to a reappraisal of Israel's blockade is shortsighted and irresponsible.

For three years, Hamas has stubbornly refused to deal with terrorism and rockets along Israel's southern border, has made no good-faith effort toward the release of Israel's kidnapped soldier and has refused even to recognize Israel's existence.

As the international community is now engaged in a biased rush to judgment against Israel, the United States needs not only to show the world that it supports Israel's right to defend its borders and citizens from people who pretend to be ''peace activists'' but who are supporters of the terrorist aims of Hamas. America should also declare that it will not join the global community in a cynical, hypocritical and expedient effort to condemn Israel.

As to the impact on Gaza's civilian population, it is getting all its basic needs through the Israeli border. Israel struggles every day to find the balance between preventing Hamas from getting more sophisticated weapons while still ensuring that the population has sufficient necessities.