When I observed that fewer than a dozen Israelis were killed by Hamas rockets (Oxford Mail, January 27), I was implying a comparison with the devastation that the Israelis have visited upon Gaza.

What all Israeli apologists like B Goodwin (writing in Tuesday’s Oxford Mail), lack is any sense of proportion.

You cannot reasonably compare the random deaths of a few Israelis with the thousands of Gazans who have been killed, maimed, made homeless and displaced.

The Gazans cannot get adequate medical treatment and they receive humanitarian aid only when the Israelis allow it.

Even their ability to grow their own food, such as it is, has been severely reduced.

The assault on Gaza wasn’t retaliation against a ruthless enemy, it was overkill falsely justified by acts of defiance.

I don’t rely on books for my knowledge. The internet is far more convenient, comprehensive and up-to-date.

Why on Earth should I claim to be an expert? I am a layman, nothing more. But I have a right to an opinion.

I’d prefer it to be based on fact, not on fallacy or falsehood.

G L SAMSON, Preston Road, Abingdon