Azapo condemns in the strongest possible terms Israel's attack on the Turkish ship, which was part of the Free Gaza convoy. Deputy Speaker, at the moment we have the following information: The ship carried 10 000 tons of aid. It had on board 700 peace activists, 35 international observers and politicians and 40 journalists. A South African journalist was also on board. The Free Gaza convoy was sailing in international waters.
Israel used the army in what could have been a simple police operation, assuming that they had a right in the first place to do what they did. At least 19 people on board the Turkish ship died.
Azapo believes that the South African government must do something stronger than summoning the Israeli Ambassador to the Union Building. We call upon the International Criminal Court to investigate laying charges against both Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.
We call upon the United Nations to force Israel to stop the blockade of Gaza because it has brought untold suffering to the Palestinians living in the area. The blockade is inhumane and illegal. The UN should not allow Israel to behave like Somalian pirates. We want to emphasise that we recognise Israel's right to exist and to defend their citizens. We equally recognise Palestine's right to exist ... [Time expired.] [Applause.]