Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird (R) and his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman deliver joint statements to the media before their meeting in Jerusalem January 18, 2015. Palestinian protesters heckled and threw eggs at Baird during a visit to the o
Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird (R) and his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman deliver joint statements to the media before their meeting in Jerusalem January 18, 2015. Palestinian protesters heckled and threw eggs at Baird during a visit to the occupied West Bank on Sunday, denouncing Ottawa's diplomatic support for Israel. Reuters/Ronen Zvulun

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird received a not-so-friendly welcome from Palestinian protesters, who threw eggs and shoes at his convoy during a visit in Ramallah over the weekend. Protesters accused Baird of taking sides with Israel as he denounced the decision of the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary investigation on Israel into possible war crimes it had committed.

The preliminary examination, the ICC said, will cover last summer's war in Gaza. The 50-day war killed 2,200 Palestinians dead and drew sharp international condemnation.

The looming investigation into Israel, one of Canada's closest allies, had been described as "scandalous" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a "tragic irony" by Washington. The Jewish state, which had been hit by "thousands of terrorist rockets... is now being scrutinised by the ICC," Washington earlier said.

Baird was in a five-day trip to meet Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki in Ramallah when his convoy got struck by protesters holding signs that read: "Baird you are not welcome in Palestine." The minister was not directly hit. Quoted by the AP, Baird described his meeting with Malki as "cordial and constructive." He added the mood focused on "candid and frank exchanges on areas where we differ in opinion."

The protest action hardly unfazed Baird. He said he's had a lot worse from 1995 until 2002 when he worked as a cabinet minister in the Mike Harris government in Ontario.

Baird assured Israeli President Reuven Rivlin of Canada's assistance in its legal battle. A statement from Rivlin's office, according to Yahoo News, cited Baird as saying that Canada "will not allow the international community" to further pound on Israel, which already "has one hand tied firmly behind its back in the court of international opinion."

Baird said Israel had the right to defend itself on the Gaza incident. He added the bloodshed should be blamed on Hamas.

In 2012, Canada voted against the Palestinians' successful bid to become a non-member state at the UN General Assembly. Palestine had moved to join the International Criminal Court in January. Baird described it "concerning and dangerous."

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