OTTAWA — Canada has condemned Israel's military strike on Qatar, which occurred on Tuesday and resulted in the deaths of several Hamas officials. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the attack undermines Qatar's sovereignty and poses a risk of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The strike targeted senior Hamas leaders in Doha, whom Israel holds responsible for a brutal attack in October 2023. Hamas reported that its main negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya, survived the attack, but his son, four other Hamas officials, and a Qatari officer were killed.

In a social media post, Carney described the strike as “an intolerable expansion of violence and an affront to Qatar’s sovereignty.” He emphasized that such actions jeopardize ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the region and to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants for nearly two years.

Carney noted Canada’s support for Qatar's role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, which includes efforts to release hostages. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed Carney's sentiments, stating that Hamas is a terrorist organization that must release all hostages and disarm.

“The Middle East faces serious challenges, and sustainable peace and security must be prioritized over any actions that could lead to a broader conflict in the region,” Anand said. She called for a return to negotiations to establish an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The Qatari embassy in Ottawa responded to the strike, stating that the country is investigating what it termed “this reckless Israeli behavior.” The embassy characterized the attack as a blatant violation of international laws and norms, posing a serious threat to the safety of Qataris and residents.

Initial reports indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump approved the attack, but the White House clarified that Trump felt “very badly” about the incident, especially given Qatar's status as a strong ally of the U.S.

The strike has shocked the region and could further isolate Israel internationally. Qatar has been a significant player in the Middle East, hosting thousands of Western troops, including Canadian soldiers, and providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel has previously allowed financial support to flow into Gaza as part of ceasefire agreements with Hamas. However, following the October 7, 2023 attack, Israel has criticized these payments. During that attack, Hamas militants abducted 251 individuals in Israel and killed approximately 1,200, mostly civilians.

Currently, 48 hostages are believed to be held in Gaza, with around 20 thought to be alive. Hamas has stated that it will only release these hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal.

Hamas claims that Israeli bombardments and restrictions on aid have resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths, including combatants. The United Nations reports that about 90 percent of Gaza's population has been displaced, with some areas facing famine. Despite the challenges, Hamas continues to conduct guerrilla-style attacks against Israeli forces.