Deputy Speaker, yesterday's predawn assault by Israeli forces on the freedom flotilla in international waters off the coast of Gaza resulted in the death of 10 civilians and the injury of many others.
This unfortunate attack has strained relationships with Turkey, a country that has long supported the right of Israel to exist. Now Turkey's foreign Minister, Ahmed Davutoglu, has told the United Nations delegates that Israel has lost all legitimacy.
The UN Security Council president has condemned these acts by Israeli forces, which resulted in loss of life and injury to civilians.
Which Cope are you?
I am not responsible for your ignorance!
The Security Council has requested the immediate release of all ships and civilians held by Israel. It has also called for an impartial investigation into the Israeli attack on the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
It is appropriate that the UN Security Council intervenes objectively and decisively to contain what could become an explosive situation.
Cope calls on South Africa to work through the United Nations to allow sanity to prevail and for a lasting solution to be found. Thank you.
Madam Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: I am sure you won't allow what happened just now to go by without some kind of reprimand, but the fact that somebody could use the microphone to shout whilst another member is speaking is absolutely unparliamentary.
Thank you, hon member. I was going to address that at the end of this session, in fact. Hon members are supposed to know that they cannot use the microphone to interject when another hon member is speaking. [Interjections.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, can we just determine who the member was and will the hon member just please apologise to the House? [Interjections.]
I have called for the ANC member's statement.