Deputy Speaker, I would like to respond to the hon member from Azapo who raised the question on Israel's attack on the ship bearing aid to Gaza Strip.
His information is correct. South Africa called in the ambassador of Israel to our offices yesterday in order to record our strongest objection. We stated the strongest possible objection in diplomatic terms to the incident that took place on Monday in international waters.
The hon member's information that there were hundreds of international activists and journalists on board is entirely correct. The vessel was in international waters. We believed Israel has contravened international law in this regard.
I would like to report that the South African journalist who was on board, Gadijah Davids, has been released and she is on her way home. This is something for which we are very grateful. [Applause.]
We would like to say that we totally agree with the hon member that the blockade of Gaza is inhumane, and we also would like to reinforce the UN's statement made at the UN Security Council calling, amongst other things, for a full inquiry into this incident.
We have joined the entire international community in our condemnation of this appalling act. I would like to thank the hon member in particular, because it shows that the entire South African community is behind our move in this regard. Thank you very much. [Applause.]