Canada expects ‘everyone’ to abide by ICJ’s latest Israel ruling, Trudeau says
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says everyone should abide by the International Court of Justice's latest ruling, which orders Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah. Trudeau responds to an opposition question during Question Period, in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the International Court of Justice’s latest ruling is in line with Canada’s position on Israel’s military operations in Rafah.
His comments come after the United Nations’ top court ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza Strip city, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire for the enclave.
The sharply focused decision sent a three-pronged message to Israel, ordering the country to halt the Rafah offensive, allow war crimes investigators access Gaza and immediately increase humanitarian aid into the region.
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Trudeau reiterated Canada’s call for a ceasefire, for Hamas to lay down its arms and release all hostages as well as for the need to get more aid into Gaza.
The prime minister notes the ICJ’s ruling is binding and Canada expects everyone to abide by it as a matter of international law.
The ruling is a blow to Israel’s international standing, but the court doesn’t have a police force to enforce its orders.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2024.
— With files from The Associated Press.
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The Canadian Press
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says everyone should abide by the International Court of Justice’s latest ruling, which orders Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah. Trudeau responds to an opposition question during Question Period, in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
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