Canada considers sanctions as Israel’s war crimes spiral out of control
By isabelle // 2025-09-11
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  • Israel launched a deadly strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, sabotaging peace talks and violating international law.
  • Canada is now evaluating its relationship with Israel, signaling potential sanctions amid growing global backlash.
  • The attack undermined Qatar’s mediation efforts, proving Israel’s leadership prioritizes retaliation over diplomacy.
  • Over 60,000 deaths in Gaza and escalating strikes risk wider regional conflict and complete isolation for Israel.
The world watched in disbelief as Israel launched a brazen attack on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, over the weekend, violating the sovereignty of a nation actively brokering peace. Now, Canada is stepping up, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand announcing Wednesday that the country is "evaluating" its relationship with Israel. The move comes as the European Commission prepares sanctions, signaling a growing international backlash against Israel’s escalating aggression. "We are evaluating the relationship with Israel," she told reporters in Edmonton. "The attack yesterday on Qatar was unacceptable. It was a violation of Qatari airspace. There were deaths on the ground at a time when Qatar was trying to facilitate peace." Her comments underscore a critical shift: Canada is no longer willing to turn a blind eye to Israel’s destabilizing actions. The strike, which killed five Hamas members, wasn’t just a violation of international law; it was a deliberate sabotage of diplomatic efforts. Qatar has spent years mediating between Israel and Hamas, working toward hostage exchanges and ceasefires. Yet Israel chose violence over negotiation, proving once again that its current leadership prioritizes retaliation over resolution. Even U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime ally of Israel, distanced himself from the attack, calling it a unilateral move that "does not advance Israel or America’s goals."

A pattern of reckless escalation

Israel’s justification? Retaliation for a Jerusalem bus stop shooting and a Gaza attack that killed four soldiers. But as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down, threatening further strikes against Qatar, global leaders condemned the move. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called it an "intolerable expansion of violence," while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed for sanctions. The message is clear: Israel’s actions are isolating it from its allies. Canada’s stance marks a turning point. Under Carney’s leadership, the country has increasingly challenged Israel’s impunity. In July, Canada announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood, joining France and other nations in rejecting Israel’s unchecked occupation. This latest evaluation of ties suggests even stronger measures could follow, including potential sanctions.

The cost of unchecked aggression

The Gaza war has already left over 60,000 dead, with famine spreading across the strip. Yet Israel continues its military campaign, defying international calls for restraint. The Qatar strike isn’t just another attack; it’s a dangerous escalation that risks dragging the region into wider conflict. By targeting a neutral mediator, Israel has undermined its own claims to self-defense. Canada’s response reflects a growing global consensus: enough is enough. If nations like Canada and EU members follow through with consequences—whether it's sanctions, trade restrictions, or diplomatic isolation—Israel may finally face accountability. The alternative? More bloodshed, more instability, and a complete collapse of trust in Israel as a partner for peace. For years, Western nations have enabled Israel’s worst impulses, shielding it from criticism under the guise of alliance. But as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and Israel’s actions grow more reckless, that complicity is no longer tenable. Canada’s willingness to reevaluate its relationship with Israel is a step in the right direction—one that other nations should follow. The question now is whether the U.S. and others will join this push for accountability. If they don’t, the message to Israel will be clear: the world’s patience has run out. And without consequences, the cycle of violence will only deepen. Sources for this article include: JPost.com CBC.ca AlJazeera.com Reuters.com
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