Canada is reassessing its relationship with Israel following an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Wednesday, marking another sign of growing international unease with Israel’s actions.
Speaking to reporters in Edmonton during a meeting of the governing Liberal Party, Anand described the strike in Doha as “unacceptable,” especially given Qatar’s role as a mediator in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.
“We are evaluating our relationship with Israel,” Anand said when asked if Ottawa was considering steps similar to the European Commission, which earlier in the day announced plans to reduce support for Israel and impose sanctions.
Pressed on whether Canada was preparing sanctions of its own, Anand remained cautious. “We will continue to evaluate our next steps,” she said.
The comments reflect a notable shift in tone under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in January after Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Carney’s government has adopted a more critical stance toward Israel, breaking with Ottawa’s traditionally close alignment.
In July, Carney announced that Canada would officially recognise Palestinian statehood — a move that infuriated Israel and drew praise from Palestinian leaders. His government has since ramped up calls for restraint in Gaza, repeatedly condemning what it views as disproportionate Israeli military operations.
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On Tuesday, Carney denounced the air strike in Qatar, calling it “an intolerable expansion of violence” that risked destabilising the wider region. Last month, he publicly criticised Israel’s stated plan to seize control of Gaza City, calling it “wrong” and “counterproductive to long-term security.”
Under Trudeau, Canada had largely maintained a supportive position toward Israel’s campaign against Hamas, while occasionally voicing concern over civilian casualties. The new government’s sharper tone signals a possible recalibration of Canada’s foreign policy, one that could bring it closer in line with growing European discontent.
The European Commission’s announcement of sanctions earlier on Wednesday added pressure on other Western allies to respond more forcefully. If Canada were to follow suit, it would represent one of the most significant diplomatic breaks with Israel in recent memory.
For now, Ottawa is weighing its options — balancing a long-standing partnership with Israel against domestic and international calls to push harder for accountability in the wake of escalating violence across the region.