Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:AP

Qatar announced on Saturday, September 13, 2025, that it will hold a special summit bringing together Arab and Muslim leaders. The aim of this gathering is to strongly denounce Israel’s recent airstrikes in Doha that targeted senior Hamas officials and killed several people, including a Qatari security officer.

The high-level meeting, scheduled for Monday, September 15, comes at a time of rising anger across the region. It is expected to unite countries in showing solidarity with Qatar and in condemning what leaders describe as a direct attack on sovereignty and an insult to diplomacy.

According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, preparations are already underway. A ministerial meeting on Sunday, September 14, will first draft a resolution that will be presented to the summit for adoption. Officials said the text will highlight the seriousness of the strike and call for collective action against what they called “Israeli state terrorism and cowardly aggression.”

Who Will Attend the Summit?

Several powerful leaders are set to take part in this emergency gathering:

* Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

* Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

* Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (his participation is still awaiting final confirmation)

Other Arab and Muslim leaders are also expected to arrive in Doha, signaling a strong regional alignment with Qatar.

Background of the Israeli Attack

Israeli fighter jets carried out precision strikes in the heart of Doha, killing five Hamas leaders who had been living in Qatar. Along with them, a Qatari security officer lost his life while on duty.

The attack shocked governments across the Middle East, especially because it took place in the capital of a Gulf state that is known to mediate between Israel, Hamas, and other regional powers. Even U.S.-aligned monarchies in the Gulf, which normally maintain quiet relations with Israel, condemned the strikes as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.

Why Is Qatar Important?

Qatar plays a key role as a mediator in the Gaza conflict, often working alongside Egypt and the United States to broker ceasefires or prisoner swaps. It also hosts the largest American military base in the region, making it a central hub for diplomacy and security in the Gulf.

By striking inside Doha, Israel not only killed Hamas members but also sent shockwaves through the diplomatic world. Many experts say the action crossed a line that could destabilize the Gulf region.

Analysts See a Warning to Israel

Political experts believe the summit is more than just symbolic. It is intended to send Israel a clear warning that such attacks will not be tolerated in the future.

Andreas Krieg, a regional analyst, explained that Gulf nations view the Israeli strikes as “an unprecedented violation of sovereignty and an attack on diplomacy itself.” He added that the gathering of Arab and Muslim leaders signals that “such aggression cannot be normalized.”

According to him, the ultimate goal of this summit is to draw red lines and push back against Israel’s belief that it can act without consequences. Leaders may use the event to announce stronger positions on Palestine and sharper criticism of Israel’s military actions.

A Broader Meaning for the Muslim World

For Qatar, the summit is not only about protecting its own sovereignty but also about reaffirming its role as a leader in the Arab and Muslim world. The attack united different governments – some who often disagree on political issues – around one cause: defending the dignity of a Gulf state against an outside strike.

Observers also say the event highlights a new phase in the Gaza war, where Israel’s actions are now spilling beyond Palestinian territories and directly into capitals that have hosted peace talks. This could lead to more aggressive regional policies against Israel in the near future.

What Comes Next?

The draft resolution to be prepared on Sunday will likely include:

* Strong condemnation of the Israeli strike on Doha.

* A call for international action to prevent similar attacks.

* A reaffirmation of support for Palestine.

* Possible economic or diplomatic measures against Israel.

The final outcome will be closely watched by world powers, especially the United States, which maintains strong ties with both Qatar and Israel.

If leaders issue a united declaration, it may change the tone of the region’s diplomacy and put more pressure on Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict.