Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Canada is “Prepared to recognise state of Palestine at right time-not necessarily as last step along path.”

Trudeau’s statement came in response to challenge from New Democratic Party MP and foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson in House of Commons, as she urged him to “Take stand” on matter.

“We urgently need to build credible path towards lasting peace. We oppose efforts by Netanyahu government to reject two-state solution.

At same time, Hamas group, currently controls areas in Gaza and has not laid down its arms or released its hostages,” Trudeau added.

Palestinian group “Welcomes decision of International Court of Justice”, it said in statement, adding however that it expected ICJ ruling to “Put an end to aggression and genocide against our people throughout Gaza Strip and not just in Rafah”.

Meanwhile, South Africa has welcomed an order by International Court of Justice to Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza city of Rafah and urged UN member states to back it, AFP reported.

“I believe it’s much stronger, in terms of wording, set of provisional measures, very clear call for cessation,” Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor told public broadcaster SABC.

Moreover, French President Emmanuel Macron will host foreign ministers of four key Arab states for talks on fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, AFP reports quoting his office.

Joined by his own top diplomat Stephane Sejourne, Macron will discuss situation with Qatar’s Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, Ayman Safadi of Jordan and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, Elysee said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 25 2024

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