Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern on Tuesday about the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, treating them as equals. He emphasized that this does not undermine Canada’s commitment to international law.
“I’ve said from the very beginning how important it is that everyone respect and abide by international law,” Trudeau stated during a press conference, as reported by CBC News. “What I will say is troubling, though, is the sense of an equivalency between the democratically elected leaders of Israel and the bloodthirsty terrorists that lead Hamas. I don’t think that’s helpful,” he added.
Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by Canada.
Karim Khan, the ICC’s top prosecutor, issued arrest warrants on Monday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh due to their conduct in the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu and Gallant are accused of offenses committed during the Israeli-Hamas war that began on October 7 last year, while the Hamas leaders are accused of crimes committed in both Israel and Gaza.
Trudeau’s remarks were less critical than those of the U.S., which outright rejected the equivalence of Israel and Hamas.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly reiterated Canada’s respect for the ICC’s independence and emphasized the importance of all parties abiding by international law. “We are closely monitoring the process,” Joly said.–News Desk