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Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit Kicks Off in Qatar
Today, Monday, in the Qatari capital, Doha, the emergency Arab-Islamic summit began to address reactions to the unprecedented Israeli attack targeting Hamas officials last week.
In his opening speech, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani described the Israeli assault as a "treacherous attack," noting that it was "cowardly and malicious." He affirmed that this aggression represents a serious violation of Doha's sovereignty and a clear rejection by Qatar of such attacks, vowing to stand firm against anyone threatening its security and stability.
According to a draft final statement reviewed by AFP, the assembled leaders will emphasize that the Israeli attack on Doha "undermines the prospects for achieving peace and peaceful coexistence in the region and threatens all the progress made through agreements and normal relations with Israel, including existing and future accords."
The summit follows a broad wave of international condemnation of the attack, amid anticipation of a unified stance from Arab and Islamic countries—especially as ongoing escalation risks hindering efforts to resume negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and complicate the humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
During a closed-door meeting in Doha, foreign ministers discussed a draft statement emphasizing the concept of collective security and shared destiny, stressing the need for unity and solidarity to confront common challenges and threats.
Qatar is one of the key mediating countries in the crisis, hosting the largest U.S. military base in the region and playing a role in mediating between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, alongside efforts by the United States and Egypt. There are fears that continued escalation could further complicate the scene and potentially hinder efforts to achieve ceasefire and stability in the region.
