The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
As a father, I am sickened beyond words. As a human, I am saddened at the dubious prospects for mankind that attacks such as these imply. If those terrorists believe that this is the will of 'their God', then they do not have one.
David Lawrence, New York City, USA
It breaks my heart that people have to suffer like this. It is not fair. It makes me so mad that these militants have no respect for human life. These people never did anything to them. I truly hope they capture the militants and punish them severely. My prayers are with all the innocent people.
Rachael, Rochester, US
Our hearts go out to the families of the dead hostages, but I salute the courage of the Russian authorities for having the guts to show the terrorist underworld that they are not to be messed about with. They are the second greatest nation on earth & have once again shown why.
Mick Mac, Leeds UK
A tragic but inevitable end to the siege
Tony, London, England
A tragic but inevitable end to the siege. I feel the utmost sympathy and sadness for the families of those involved. However, how could the government give in to the terrorists without making schools the standard targets for future terrorist attacks? Anyone who uses innocent civilians, patients in hospitals, or especially children as shields, should surely receive no quarter from any government.
Tony, London, England
There was only one way this was going to end....in blood and tears. Putin's record speaks for itself.
Usman, Chennai, India
These terrorists have proven yet again that they are cowards, like all terrorists the world over. There should be no negotiation with these cowards and the world should fall in with the Russian Government and offer any help that it can give. Terrorism must be eradicated. The only way to achieve this is to be brutal and ruthless with the terrorists and their supporters. My thoughts are with the parents and families of the hostages and I hope that the Russian Security Forces can bring this situation to a good finish, i.e. all the remaining hostages free and unharmed and all terrorists dead.
Stuart, Redcar, England
Our hearts go out to the Russian people and their courageous forces.
Steve, Cambridge, UK
This type of action only breeds more hatred in the hearts of the world
Corrine, Port Orchard, USA
I don't see how anyone can use the word justified when describing hundreds of children being held hostage at the point of execution by gunfire, starvation, or dehydration. I agree, adults are just as important, but children are innocent. This type of action only breeds more hatred in the hearts of the world and in the hearts of the children starving in that gym. Hatred for the Chechen cause has only grown stronger.
Corrine, Port Orchard, USA
Children are innocent wherever they are be it Afghanistan, Iraq or Chechnya. They deserve to live and grow in peace. Hostage taking or killing of children by any means should be condemned. This is so awful. I truly feel for those children, their parents and all others held hostage, but one should feel the same for children in Chechnya, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Dr Nadim, Afghanistan
When did hostage taking become an acceptable tool when in the past when it has been used has it worked? It has always hardened the spine of the victims nation. It is never a good bargaining tool. You embarrass a government especially one that is firmly entrenched and you only bring destruction to yourself and your cause. The outside world turns a blind eye to your plight the minute you start taking innocent lives.
Diana, Rochester Hills Michigan
God help the poor parents as they wait for their children
Louise, London, UK
God help the poor parents as they wait for their children. As a parent I can't imagine the pain and anguish they must feel. Every minute must feel like an hour. It is a despicable way to make a point. I pray that those poor children come out alive and do not suffer for their time as hostages. I hope that they remain strong and any adults with them are comforting them as best they can. The rebels have done nothing for their cause but cause an outpouring of hatred towards them from all who are watching. Whether you are a parent or not, nothing is more disgusting to see than someone prepared to hurt an innocent child, let alone hundreds.
Louise, London, UK
This tragedy shows once more that these people have no other agenda but destroying life and property. I am watching a body of a young boy being loaded in a van, and I come to realise that any potential sympathy one may have for Chechen independence must be quickly vanishing. Yes, I am angry, and my heart goes to the parents and families of the children caught in the siege.
Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Political wrongs or rights, these are innocent children
Dave Wright, UK
We now hear that gunshots and explosions are being heard at the site. How could I stand by and watch my children in such a situation? Political wrongs or rights, these are innocent children who know little of political differences. I could not even pretend to imagine how those grandparents, parents, sisters, brothers and children of those being held feel. No-one can. This is a sinful act of desperation by the hostage takers. Two wrongs can never make a right.
Dave Wright, UK
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Russia and the town of Beslan. I only hope that the lives of these innocent children are spared. I don't understand what type of human could plan to take the lives of children to further any cause. I only wish that I were able to stand side by side with the Russian people and help them through this time of crisis.
Clay, Dallas, USA
