Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, last Wednesday the Israeli forces killed 27 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and on the West Bank, including seven children and 5 women in the shelling of the northern Gaza town of Beit-Hannon. The shelling of the areas has left scores of people injured and homes and infrastructure destroyed. These atrocities are in violation of international law and the Geneva Convention. Significant damage has been done to infrastructure, roads and houses, destroyed phone and electricity lines and has led to a shortage of food and water. The ANC condemns the continuous use of disproportionate violence and the policy of collective punishment by the Israeli government against the people of Palestine. Israel's actions constitute a threat to international peace and security. We urge the international community to take steps to stabilise the situation and revive the Middle East peace process. I thank you.