Gulf Leaders Urge U.S. to Reign in Israel After Doha Attack

In response to an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha that killed five Hamas officials and a Qatari security officer, Gulf leaders convened an emergency summit in Qatar. The attack, which occurred on September 9, 2025, was condemned as a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called upon the United States to leverage its influence over Israel to prevent further aggression. Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, the GCC's secretary general, emphasized the need for the U.S. to act, stating, “They have leverage and influence on Israel, and it’s about time that this leverage and influence be used.”

The GuardianShehbaz joins Arab, Muslim leaders to discuss Doha attackQatar urges world to reject 'double standards' and punish Israel as Trump expresses cautionFrance 24

The summit saw participation from various Arab and Muslim leaders, including Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who described the Israeli attack as “cowardly and treacherous.” The leaders collectively condemned Israel's actions, asserting that they undermine peace efforts and threaten international stability. The final statement from the summit reiterated support for Qatar and called for a review of diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, alongside a commitment to the two-state solution.

Al Jazeera (website)The GuardianWIONShehbaz joins Arab, Muslim leaders to discuss Doha attack

Israel has not issued an apology for the attack and maintains that Hamas leaders are legitimate targets. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from regional leaders. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Muslim nations to sever ties with Israel, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi warned that Israel's actions hinder future peace agreements. The summit's discussions highlighted a growing frustration among Arab leaders regarding Israel's perceived impunity and expansionist policies.

The GuardianShehbaz joins Arab, Muslim leaders to discuss Doha attackTrump cautions Israel after Qatar attack

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani criticized the international community for its "double standards" regarding Israel, asserting that the time has come to hold Israel accountable for its actions. U.S. President Donald Trump, while initially rebuking Israel, dispatched Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Israel, indicating continued U.S. support for its ally. Trump remarked, “Qatar has been a very great ally. Israel and everyone else, we have to be careful.”

Qatar urges world to reject 'double standards' and punish Israel as Trump expresses cautionTrump cautions Israel after Qatar attackFrance 24Al Jazeera (website)

Despite the strong rhetoric from the summit, some analysts expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the leaders' responses. Critics noted that while the summit united Arab and Muslim leaders in condemnation, it lacked concrete measures against Israel. The absence of immediate economic or political reprisals, such as suspending the Abraham Accords, was seen as a missed opportunity to demonstrate solidarity.

The Guardian

The GCC's unified defense command is expected to meet to assess the situation and discuss potential collective security measures. As regional tensions continue to escalate, the effectiveness of the summit's resolutions will be closely monitored by both regional and international observers. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the implications of the Doha attack will likely remain central to discussions among Arab and Muslim nations in the coming weeks.

WION