Doha, Qatar / Jerusalem, Israel – Arab and Muslim leaders gathered in Doha on Monday for an Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, issuing a strong declaration of support for Qatar following last week’s Israeli military strike on the Gulf nation. The summit’s final communique pledged solidarity with Qatar as it takes steps in response to what leaders described as Israel’s “cowardly and treacherous” attack.
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The summit brought together officials from across the Arab and Islamic world, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the collective commitment of member states to regional security and stability. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani urged leaders to take “practical and decisive steps” against the strike, which occurred as Hamas leaders were reportedly studying a U.S. ceasefire proposal.
A separate statement by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) warned that Israel’s “continuation of these aggressive policies undermines … the future of existing understandings and agreements with Israel.” The summit’s communique also called on countries to review their diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, an invitation, according to Arab League Assistant Secretary General Hossam Zaki, for states that maintain relations with Israel to reconsider them.
Gaza Casualties and Humanitarian Toll
While leaders in Doha expressed support for Qatar, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsened. Israeli strikes on Gaza City killed at least 51 Palestinians today, including six-year-old twins, and three journalists covering the conflict. Additional strikes on two homes and a tent sheltering a displaced family killed at least 16 more. The Israeli army also destroyed a 16-floor building in western Gaza City, claiming it housed “terrorist infrastructure,” shortly after warning residents to evacuate.
Hamas reported that five of its members, including a son of its exiled Gaza chief, were killed, though its leadership survived. Qatar confirmed the death of one of its security agents in the attack.
US Secretary Rubio Meets Netanyahu
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel, meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and offering strong backing for Israel’s hardline stance, even as Washington expressed unease over the Qatar strike. Rubio called on Qatar to continue playing a constructive role in resolving the Gaza conflict, noting that it could help achieve the release of all 48 hostages still held in Gaza, disarm Hamas, and improve conditions for Gazans.
Speaking alongside Netanyahu, Rubio stressed that the only way to end the war would be for Hamas fighters to surrender and release hostages. He said: “As much as we may wish that there be a peaceful, diplomatic way to end it, and we’ll continue to explore and be dedicated to it, we also have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen.” He described Hamas as “savage terrorists” and added: “Hamas needs to cease to exist as an armed element that can threaten the peace and security of the region.”
Netanyahu Signals Possible Actions
Prime Minister Netanyahu did not rule out annexing the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to potential recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, where countries including France and Britain have indicated they may recognize Palestinian sovereignty. When asked about extending Israeli sovereignty, Netanyahu said: “A future step is a future step. We don’t need to expose it ahead of time. It’s clear that taking unilateral actions against us simply invites unilateral actions on our part.”
Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
The war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory operations have since killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, with the majority being civilians. International observers warn that the humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands displaced, food and water shortages, and hospitals overwhelmed.
The Emergency Summit in Doha and Rubio’s visit to Israel highlight the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Arab and Islamic nations rallying behind Qatar while the United States publicly supports Israel’s security stance. Both forums underline the complexities of pursuing diplomacy amid ongoing military operations and growing humanitarian crises.
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