Trudeau Calls for Israel and Hamas to Abide by ICJ’s Latest Ceasefire Clauses
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizes the importance of compliance with the recent demand from the International Court of Justice to cease military operations in Rafah immediately.
“The ICJ’s recommendations are obligatory, and we anticipate universal adherence to them as a matter of international law.”
The ICJ, a branch of the United Nations, settles disputes between countries and voted 13-2 in favor of the ceasefire. Supporting the resolution on May 24 were Lebanon, France, Somalia, China, India, Japan, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Mexia, Romania, USA, and South Africa, while Uganda and an ad hoc judge from Israel opposed the directive.
Trudeau also reiterated Canada’s stance on the necessity of a two-state solution and criticized the Israeli government for impeding this prospect.
“Regrettably, the Netanyahu administration is obstructing any possibility of achieving or even envisioning that two-state solution. This is where we fundamentally diverge from the Netanyahu government,” Trudeau remarked.
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The court has also instructed Israel to permit war crimes investigators access to Gaza for probing allegations of genocide and to increase humanitarian aid in the area.
Although Israel has not issued an official response, a member of the country’s war cabinet, Benny Gantz, expressed his displeasure with the court’s decision.
“The State of Israel is determined to persist in securing the release of its captives and ensuring the safety of its citizens—wherever and whenever necessary—including in Rafah,” Gantz declared.
These statements come after the discovery on May 24 of the bodies of three Israeli captives who were part of the group taken by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, in a surprise assault on civilians that resulted in 1,200 fatalities. Israel’s current military actions in the region are a response to this attack.
The ICJ’s mandate follows International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan’s request on May 20 for arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders on charges of crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict. While the ICJ intervenes in disputes between countries, the ICC oversees allegations of war crimes.
Prime Minister Trudeau also expressed concerns about any comparison between Israel and Hamas in the ICC prosecutor’s request, highlighting that Canada respects the court’s autonomy.
“However, what troubles me is the notion of equating the democratically elected Israeli leaders with the bloodthirsty Hamas leaders. I find that unhelpful.”
Several European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, have also affirmed their respect for the court’s autonomy.
Israel perceives such actions as rewarding Hamas for the October 7 assault.
“He believes a Palestinian state should be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, not through unilateral recognition,” the spokesperson clarified.
Mr. Trudeau mentioned that Canada would acknowledge a Palestinian state at the appropriate time.
“We urgently require a credible pathway to sustainable peace. We oppose the Netanyahu government’s refusal of a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Hamas, a terrorist organization, currently controls territories in Gaza and has not disarmed or released its captives.”
Matthew Horwood, Aldgra Fredly, Reuters, and The Canadian Press contributed to this article.
