Feds Say Backing of UN Court Doesn’t Mean Supporting the Genocide Charge Against Israel

South Africa has initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip as genocidal.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Dec. 6, 2023. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

The Liberal government says it has “unwavering” support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but that doesn’t mean it accepts the premise of South Africa’s genocide accusation against Israel.

On Jan. 11, South Africa initiated a proceeding at the UN’s highest court, the ICJ, contending that Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the blockade against Palestinian residents there possess characteristics of genocide.