Sir: The military offensive by Israel against innocent Palestinians in Gaza under the guise of annihilating Hamas was a matter of grave concern. Like any other independent and sovereign nation, Israel has every right to defend its territory and protect its citizens from militant strikes. But that right must be exercised without breaching the canons of international law. Its use of disproportionate force in response to a barrage of rocket strikes by Hamas was unwarranted. The international community cannot afford to be a mute spectator to the volatile situation in Gaza, considering its negative repercussions on international peace, stability and development. The creation of an independent homeland for Palestinians, which has remained an elusive dream, will not only assure them a life of dignity, but also an enduring peace in the Levant. JAVARIA KHATRI Karachi