Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed concern about Israel’s policies, saying that he has no immediate plans to invite his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to the country.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trudeau reiterated Canada’s opposition to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law.
“We recognise the violence going on right now. It is difficult for people across the region — both Israelis and Palestinians,” the Canadian prime minister said.
“We’re calling for de-escalation and peace and working through some of the flashpoints that are happening. Canada has a longstanding position that settlements and the settlement process is illegal. And we need to stand against that.”
Trudeau added that, while Canada is a “steadfast” friend of Israel, the two countries have points of disagreement.
Israel has escalated its military raids in the West Bank in recent months, killing at least 177 Palestinians in the occupied territories this year so far. Netanyahu’s far-right government has also increased settlement activities and pushed to legalise outposts that had been illegal under Israeli law.
Original from www.aljazeera.com