On September 15, 2025, Qatar convened an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha to address the recent Israeli airstrike that targeted Hamas leaders on Qatari soil. The summit, attended by leaders from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aimed to formulate a unified response to the attack, which has significantly strained relations between Qatar and Israel.
Israeli Airstrike on Doha
On September 9, Israeli airstrikes hit a residential area in Doha’s West Bay Lagoon, reportedly targeting Hamas political leaders. The attack resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and one Qatari security official. Hamas confirmed that its leadership survived the strike, but the incident has escalated tensions in the region.
Qatar’s Response
Qatar condemned the Israeli airstrike as an act of “state terrorism” and a violation of international law, especially since it occurred during ceasefire negotiations hosted by Qatar. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that Qatar would continue its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas but also reassessed its role due to the attack. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining peace efforts and dragging the Middle East into chaos.
Arab-Islamic Summit Outcomes
The summit in Doha resulted in a draft resolution criticizing the Israeli airstrike as a destabilizing act and rejecting efforts to alter regional dynamics. While the resolution stopped short of proposing concrete retaliatory measures, it expressed strong support for Qatar and reaffirmed the commitment to Palestinian sovereignty. The summit underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of mediation efforts and called for renewed international support for a just and lasting peace in the region.
International Reactions
The United Nations Human Rights Council announced an urgent debate on the Israeli airstrike, scheduled for September 16. The debate was requested by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC and Kuwait for the Gulf Cooperation Council. The European Union also expressed solidarity with Qatar, urging all parties to renew efforts toward an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
The Israeli airstrike on Doha has not only deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also exacerbated geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Qatar’s hosting of the Arab-Islamic summit reflects its continued commitment to mediating peace efforts while asserting its sovereignty and the legitimacy of its role in regional diplomacy. The international community’s response will be crucial in determining the path toward de-escalation and a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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