OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for Israel to “respond substantively” to the top United Nations court’s recent advisory opinion that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and that it should end.
The court’s non-binding opinion released last week was an unprecedented, sweeping condemnation of Israel’s rule over the lands it captured 57 years ago.
Trudeau responded to the court’s advice as part of a joint statement from Canada, Australia and New Zealand today, calling for the reversal of settlements in the West Bank.
The countries also renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas that has ravaged the Gaza Strip.
They say in the statement that they stand behind a proposed deal outlined by United States President Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand say Hamas must lay down its arms and release all Israeli hostages, and that they see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2024.
— With files from The Associated Press
The Canadian Press
