Leaders from various Arab and Muslim nations are set to convene for an emergency summit in Doha on Monday, following Israel’s recent airstrike on Hamas officials in Qatar. This unprecedented military action has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the region.
The summit, organized by Qatar in collaboration with the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aims to exert pressure on Israel amidst growing international calls for an end to the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s strike, which resulted in the deaths of six people, has heightened tensions, drawing backlash not only within the Arab world but also from key global figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
A draft of the final statement, reviewed by AFP, expresses serious concerns regarding the “brutal Israeli aggression,” highlighting the threat it poses to the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab nations. The draft asserts that such aggression jeopardizes existing and prospective agreements aimed at fostering diplomatic ties with Israel.
The airstrike and accusations of “genocide and ethnic cleansing” in Gaza undermine the prospect of peaceful coexistence in the region, according to the draft. Qatari Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stressed the need for the international community to address these grievances and hold Israel accountable for its actions, advocating for a departure from double standards in global governance.
Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, has been instrumental in mediating discussions between Israel and Hamas amid the ongoing conflict. The nearly 60-country coalition aims to reaffirm the importance of collective security and emphasize unity in addressing shared challenges.
Notable leaders expected to attend the summit include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A concurrent extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council is also scheduled, reflecting regional solidarity in response to the escalating crisis.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Council is set to convene an urgent debate on Tuesday to examine the implications of Israel’s airstrike against Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel signals continued American backing for the Israeli government amid these tensions.
Experts, such as Saudi-based researcher Aziz Algashian, emphasize that the summit’s impact will be gauged by tangible actions rather than mere declarations. Many observers are calling for decisive measures as the situation continues to evolve, underscoring the need for a unified and robust response from the Arab and Muslim world.
