Arab States Condemn Israeli Strike at Doha Summit, But Stop Short of Unified Action
Doha, Qatar – September 16, 2025 — Arab and Islamic leaders gathered in Doha on Monday for an emergency summit convened by Qatar after an Israeli airstrike hit the capital earlier this month, killing six people including five Hamas officials and a Qatari security officer.
The extraordinary meeting was called by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who denounced the attack as “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty” and “an act of state terrorism.”
Condemnations Across the Board
Delegates from across the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) voiced strong condemnation of the strike, with many warning that the attack risked destabilizing ongoing negotiations over the Gaza war. Leaders described the incident as a breach of international law and an assault on the security of the region.
Solidarity visits by officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan underscored the political weight of the gathering, though participants differed on what practical measures should follow.
A Divided Response
Despite the strong rhetoric, the summit stopped short of adopting binding punitive measures against Israel. States with normalized relations with Israel — under the Abraham Accords and other bilateral agreements — resisted calls for diplomatic downgrades or sanctions, while others pressed for firmer action.
Instead, the final communiqué emphasized the need for international accountability, called for urgent sessions at the United Nations, and pledged continued coordination among Arab and Muslim states.
Broader Implications
Analysts say the meeting highlighted both the unity and the limitations of regional diplomacy. While there was consensus in condemning Israel’s actions, divisions over strategy exposed the challenge of forming a single bloc capable of coordinated measures.
“The summit showed that Arab and Islamic states can speak with one voice, but when it comes to action, national interests still prevail,” said a regional researcher in Doha.
Looking Ahead
The airstrike has strained already fragile mediation efforts in the Gaza conflict and raised questions over the safety of countries hosting armed group representatives. Observers warn the incident could deepen mistrust in ongoing talks and complicate future normalization discussions.
For now, Qatar and its partners are pushing the issue onto the international stage, but whether that will lead to tangible consequences remains uncertain.
