Canada is reassessing its relationship with Israel after the attack in Qatar: Foreign Minister

Canada Reassessing Ties with Israel After Qatar Attack: Foreign Minister

Canada is reassessing its relationship with Israel. Following the Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand made this statement to reporters on Wednesday. Her remarks signal growing dissatisfaction within the Canadian government toward Israel.

Anita Anand stated that her country considers Israel’s attack in Qatar unacceptable — especially given Qatar’s efforts to foster peace in the Middle East. While attending a meeting of the ruling Liberal Party in Edmonton, Canada, Anand was asked by reporters whether Canada would follow the European Commission's lead on the issue. In response, she said, “We are reassessing our relationship with Israel.”

Earlier on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a halt to aid to Israel and the imposition of sanctions. When asked whether Canada is also considering imposing sanctions on Israel, Anand responded, “We will continue the process of reassessing our next steps.”

Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada has adopted a tougher stance on Israel. Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau in January. Then in July, he announced that Canada would recognize Palestine as a state and expressed strong criticism of Israel’s aggression in Gaza.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had supported Israeli operations against Hamas, though he occasionally criticized the Israeli military’s actions.

On Tuesday, Mark Carney condemned the Israeli strike in Qatar. He described the attack as an unacceptable escalation of violence and warned that it could push the entire Middle East into further conflict.