Canada Reassesses Ties with Israel After Qatar Strike, Signals Policy Shift

Canada is reassessing its relationship with Israel following an Israeli airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas leaders, Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed on Wednesday. Speaking at a Liberal Party meeting in Edmonton, Anand described the attack as “unacceptable,” noting that Qatar has been a key mediator in Middle East peace efforts. Her remarks come just hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced new measures to reduce support for Israel, including potential sanctions. Asked if Ottawa might take similar action, Anand said Canada would “continue to evaluate our next steps.” The development marks a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in January. Carney has adopted a tougher stance on Israel than his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who was largely supportive of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas. In July, Carney announced that Canada would formally recognise Palestinian statehood, a move that strained relations with Israel. On Tuesday, he condemned the Doha strike as “an intolerable expansion of violence” that risks destabilising the broader region. He has also criticised Israel’s plans to seize control of Gaza City, calling them “wrong” and counterproductive to long-term peace.