Leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world are convening in Qatar to craft a joint response to Israel’s missile strikes on Doha last week, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security official.
The attack, condemned unanimously by the United Nations Security Council, has shaken regional security and sparked calls for stronger collective action.
Israel said its missiles targeted Hamas leadership as they met in Doha to consider a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The proposal included the release of all 48 captives held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and an end to Israel’s two-year war on Gaza.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had earlier claimed Israel accepted Trump’s proposal. Hours later, missiles struck the Qatari capital, but the Hamas leaders Israel sought to kill survived.
Qatar calls emergency Arab-Islamic summit
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that leaders from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League will meet in Doha. A draft resolution condemning Israel’s strike is expected to be finalized during foreign ministers’ meetings on Sunday before being presented at Monday’s emergency summit.
Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari described the attack as another act of “state terrorism practised by Israel.” He said the summit aims to leverage mounting regional anger and align member states around a unified position.
Key attendees and rising pressure
Confirmed attendees include Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani urged Islamic governments to go beyond statements and form a “joint operations room” against Israel’s “madness.” Analysts believe growing frustration could push Arab states to consider downgrading diplomatic ties or using economic tools, including sovereign wealth funds and trade restrictions, as leverage.
Security and political stakes
The attack has shattered Qatar’s sense of security and raised questions about future defence arrangements with the US. Some states may seek guarantees beyond arms purchases, although Washington continues to stand firmly behind Israel.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their talks are expected to cover Israel’s plan to annex large parts of the West Bank — a move the UAE has described as a “red line” that could undermine the Abraham Accords.
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