(Ottawa) Liberal MPs are divided on how Canada should respond to the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which must determine whether Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The United Nations’ highest court decided Friday to continue examining the case, while asking Israel to try to limit deaths and damage in its military offensive.
South Africa had filed the complaint at the ICJ, demanding a ceasefire, but judges instead ordered six interim measures on Friday to protect Palestinians in Gaza.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made no comment Friday morning when journalists asked him for his reaction to his arrival at the Liberal caucus meeting in Parliament.
Liberal MP Salma Zahid said she would first read the ICJ’s interim ruling, but said Canada must comply with all court orders and bring other countries together to help respond to the situation humanitarian in Gaza.
His colleague Anthony Housefather calls the appeal “baseless and insulting”, and believes that the international tribunal sets the bar very low to decide whether there is a possible case of genocide.
PHOTO ADRIAN WYLD, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Anthony Housefather
“Israel respects international law and Israel will continue to respect it,” he maintained.
The debate has divided the Liberal caucus and Mr. Trudeau has refused calls from Jewish and Muslim groups in Canada to take a clear position, as other leaders around the world have done.
The Prime Minister has already indicated that Canada does not necessarily agree with the premise of South Africa’s argument, but he has not clarified whether he rejects the request or whether Canada will respect the decision of the international court.
South African and Palestinian diplomats in Canada are scheduled to hold a news conference later Friday.