Arab Islamic Summit in Doha Condemns Israel, Proposes Regional Alliance

[islamicforum]

Emergency Summit Responds to Israeli Attack on Qatar

On September 15–16, 2025, Gulf Arab and Muslim nations convened an emergency Arab Islamic Summit in Doha, chaired by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The gathering was held in response to Israel’s strike in Doha targeting a Hamas delegation—an action widely condemned by the participants as a grave breach of sovereignty and international law.

Key Messages from the Summit

The emir described the strike as “blatant, treacherous and cowardly,” accusing Israel of attempting to sabotage ongoing ceasefire talks and altering the regional power dynamics.

Leaders denounced the attack as a direct assault on the principle of mediation and condemned Israeli expansionism, accusing Israel of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and starvation campaigns in Gaza and the occupied territories.

Proposal for an Arab Islamic Security Alliance

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani proposed formation of a collective defence pact akin to NATO, where an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all. He also called for the establishment of a joint Arab Islamic committee to represent member states at the UN and international forums.

Other leaders, including Turkey’s President Erdogan, endorsed economic pressure on Israel and advocated joint deterrent mechanisms under GCC coordination.

Summit Outcome and Final Communiqué

The summit’s final communiqué reaffirmed absolute solidarity with Qatar:

1- It urged member states to review diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.
2- While no concrete sanctions were agreed, leaders supported activating GCC defence coordination mechanisms and forming unified structures for collective security.
3- The statement explicitly condemned Israeli aggression, rejected ongoing threats against neighboring states, and reaffirmed support for peace negotiations and a two state solution.

Global and Regional Reactions

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pledged to activate joint deterrence and defence readiness in response to threats.

Several summit participants called for legal and diplomatic action against Israel at international platforms, while some expressed reluctance to sever ties with Israel due to existing agreements like the Abraham Accords.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The summit marked a significant shift toward regional military and political coordination among Arab and Muslim nations.
Diplomats and analysts see this as a potential turning point toward an “Arab NATO,” signaling broader unity against perceived threats from Israel’s actions.

The absence of immediate sanctions reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics, including differing national interests and concern about antagonizing the United States.