Canada reassesses its relations with Israel and is moving towards recognizing the State of Palestine
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that her country is evaluating its relations with Israel following the Israeli attack on Qatar, which targeted leaders of Hamas. Her statement came in response to a question about the possibility of Canada following the European Commission in suspending some trade measures with Israel.
Anand confirmed in statements on the sidelines of a meeting of the ruling Liberal Party: "This is a violation of Qatari airspace... at a time when Qatar is trying to work for peace." When asked if Canada is considering imposing sanctions, she replied: "We will continue to assess our next steps."
The minister also revealed Canada's intention to officially recognize the State of Palestine, expecting this to happen during the United Nations General Assembly at the end of September. She added: "We are eager to be on the right path to officially recognize Palestine."
Anand emphasized that her country's priority is "to work for peace in the Middle East," with the importance of quickly resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the Israeli airstrike yesterday, describing it as "an unacceptable escalation of violence." He said on the platform "X": "Canada condemns the Israeli strikes in Qatar, as they are an unacceptable expansion of violence and a violation of Qatar's sovereignty."
He added: "Regardless of their objectives, these attacks pose a serious risk of escalating the conflict across the region and directly jeopardize efforts to promote peace and security, ensure the release of all prisoners, and achieve a lasting ceasefire, efforts in which (the Emir of Qatar) Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani plays a very constructive role."
For its part, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes, considering them a "flagrant violation" of Qatari sovereignty and international law. It warned that this strike is "an act aimed at undermining international efforts" for peace and leads to a "new escalation" in the Middle East.
China also strongly condemned the airstrikes, with a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, calling for the resumption of negotiations to end the war, stating: "China is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions in the region." He expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of "certain parties" that obstruct negotiations regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In contrast, Germany expressed concern over the violation of Qatari sovereignty while reaffirming its steadfast support for Israel. A spokesperson for the German government said: "You know our fundamental position towards the State of Israel, and nothing has changed."
