Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday that Canada is “evaluating the relationship with Israel” following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s condemnation of the country’s airstrike on Qatar. Carney described the attack as “an unprovoked assault” and “a violation of international law,” warning it risks destabilizing the Middle East further.
Israel has claimed responsibility for targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, while the militant group said its lead ceasefire negotiator survived, though several others were killed. The strike has drawn international condemnation, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing plans to pursue sanctions against Israel and a partial trade suspension.
Anand underscored that Hamas must still release Israeli hostages held in Gaza but called Israel’s actions “an unacceptable breach of the sovereignty of a country trying to facilitate peace talks.”
Carney, speaking on a podcast earlier in the day, stressed that Canada will not dismiss the attack but stopped short of outlining what further steps might follow. “We look to move forward from this point,” he said, leaving Canada’s next move uncertain amid mounting pressure from allies.