Emergency Summit in Doha
On 15 September 2025, leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other Arab-Islamic nations gathered in Doha, Qatar, for an emergency summit following an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha. The attack, which targeted Hamas officials during ceasefire talks, was widely condemned as a serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security. The summit drew representation not only from the six GCC states but also from the wider Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), making it one of the most significant gatherings in recent years.
The Attack That Sparked Outrage
The Israeli airstrike, carried out on 9 September 2025 in Doha’s upscale Leqtaifiya district, reportedly killed several individuals, including a Qatari security officer tasked with protecting visiting negotiators. The strike came at a sensitive time, with Qatar mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas alongside Egypt and the United States. Analysts believe the attack was aimed at disrupting the talks, while Qatar denounced it as a blatant act of aggression and a violation of international law. Social media footage of the damaged site quickly spread, fueling anger across the Arab world.
GCC’s Defence Mechanism Activated
At the summit, GCC leaders pledged to activate the Joint Defence Mechanism, underscoring that an attack on one member constitutes an attack on all. This includes:
- Strengthening the Unified Military Command of the GCC.
- Enhancing intelligence-sharing and joint training exercises.
- Reviewing defence agreements to improve collective deterrence.
- Exploring the establishment of a rapid response force for emergencies.
While details of deployment remain under discussion, the move marks a rare moment of GCC unity on security matters, reminiscent of collective stances taken during the 1990-91 Gulf War.
Strong Condemnation of Israel
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called the attack “cowardly and treacherous,” vowing that Qatar would not be intimidated in its role as mediator. Leaders of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE joined in condemning Israel’s actions. They also called on the United Nations Security Council to investigate the strike and pressed for accountability under international humanitarian law. Some leaders hinted at the possibility of economic measures or coordinated diplomatic downgrades if such attacks continue.
Balancing Diplomacy and Defence
Despite the strong rhetoric, the summit stopped short of announcing direct military retaliation or severing diplomatic ties. Instead, leaders focused on strengthening defensive cooperation while leaving space for diplomacy. Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to continue mediation efforts in Gaza, signaling that it would not allow the attack to undermine its regional role. Egypt and Turkey also backed Doha’s position, emphasizing that mediation must not be targeted by external aggression.
Regional and Global Implications
- For the Gulf: The decision to activate defence cooperation reflects growing concern that the Israel-Gaza conflict could spill over into GCC territory.
- For Diplomacy: The move reveals frustration with what Gulf states view as U.S. inaction, prompting them to seek stronger regional security guarantees, including defence pacts with Asian and European partners.
- For Israel: While Israel faces heightened diplomatic isolation in the Arab world, the lack of concrete military measures suggests the fallout will remain mostly political and economic for now.
International Reactions
- United States: The U.S. expressed concern over the attack but reaffirmed its defence partnership with Qatar, signaling ongoing talks to upgrade the defence cooperation agreement.
- European Union: EU leaders condemned the strike, urging de-escalation and warning against regional destabilization.
- Iran: Tehran called for a stronger Islamic response, pushing for a united front against Israel.
Challenges Ahead
Implementing a joint GCC defence mechanism will require overcoming internal divisions, financial commitments, and coordination hurdles. Member states also face the delicate task of balancing their condemnation of Israel with existing economic and security partnerships, particularly for those like the UAE and Bahrain that normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
The Doha summit has delivered a loud political message: Arab and Islamic states will not tolerate attacks on their sovereignty. By pledging to activate a collective defence mechanism, the GCC has elevated its security posture, even if concrete actions remain to be seen. The crisis has reaffirmed Qatar’s resilience as a mediator and highlighted the fragile balance between regional defence, diplomacy, and global geopolitics. The coming weeks will reveal whether the GCC’s words translate into decisive action or remain symbolic unity in the face of growing regional turbulence.
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Author: Team BTP
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