Trudeau silent while Liberal caucus remains split over ICJ ruling on Israel-Hamas war

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hasn't yet commented on the International Court of Justice's ruling Friday on Israel's war on Hamas, his government's caucus seems to be split over an interim decision delivered by the United Nations' top court.

Earlier in the day, the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an interim emergency ruling on South Africa's claim that the war in Gaza amounts to an act of genocide. In its ruling, the court ordered Israel to take measures to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in its war in Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

Liberal MP Salma Zahid told reporters before Friday's caucus meeting that she was «a bit disappointed that they didn't ask for an immediate ceasefire.»

«As a signatory, I think it's incumbent on Canada to convince Israel to make sure that they follow what has been said in regards to making sure that civilians are protected, in regards to making sure that humanitarian aid can get in there,» she added.

Friday's ICJ ruling is being seen by many as a victory for South Africa because it confirms the genocide claim is plausible enough to justify a full hearing. The court also ruled that South Africa has the right to pursue its claim against Israel under the Genocide Convention.

Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, a Jewish MP who has emerged as a prominent voice for his community in caucus, said Friday's ruling looked only at whether South Africa's claim could go forward.

«Today, the court did not take a position on whether or not Israel is committing genocide,» he said. «My position has been that Israel is not committing genocide, it is baseless and it's insulting, and I don't think the case was helpful to bring.»

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