Last week, at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the Jewish State was accused of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case launched by South Africa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly both gave oddly confusing statements, in which they said Canada’s support for international law “does not mean” they support South Africa’s accusations. Onlookers were confused by the phrasing—and even federal government staffers didn’t know what to make of it.

It took a few days before a statement by Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the country will, in fact, abide by whatever the ICJ rules. But Israel is vehemently defending itself on the international stage, with its barristers at The Hague describing South Africa’s case a “libel” designed to prevent Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas after Oct. 7, 2023.

That’s the big takeaway for legal expert Tamara Kronis, a Canadian human rights lawyer who has worked in The Hague on other genocide cases. On The CJN Daily, Kronis walks us through the inner workings of this important court, what’s likely to happen and what it means if Israel loses.

What we talked about

• Watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comment on Canada’s position vis a vis the genocide hearing on Israel at the International Court of Justice
• Learn more about Tamara Kronis and about her late father Jules Kronis’s esteemed legal background in The CJN
• Watch Israel’s submission before the International Court of Justice on YouTube

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To subscribe to this podcast, please watch this video. Donate to The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt by clicking here. Hear why The CJN is important to me.