DOHA: Leaders at an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha warned Monday that Israel’s attacks on Qatar had dangerous consequences for the region, urging collective action to counter Israeli attempts to impose a new reality on the Middle East.
The final statement published by Qatar’s official news agency QNA condemned the strikes on Doha and voiced full solidarity with Qatar. The summit said Israeli aggression “undermines any chances of achieving peace in the region.”
The statement stressed the need to “stand against Israel’s plans to impose a new reality in the region,” warning that such efforts pose a “direct threat to regional and international security.” Leaders at the summit stressed that “a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East will not be achieved by bypassing the Palestinian cause or ignoring the rights of the Palestinian people, nor through violence or targeting mediators, but through commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.”
They urged the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to end the Israeli occupation and to set a binding timetable for its conclusion.
The statement also expressed support for mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the US to halt the assault on Gaza. It welcomed the Arab League Council’s ministerial-level resolution on a regional vision for security and cooperation, which emphasised the principles of collective security, shared destiny, and joint confrontation of common threats.
The summit warned of the “catastrophic consequences” of any Israeli move to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories, describing such actions as “a blatant violation of international law and UN resolutions, and an assault on the historical and legal rights of the Palestinian people.”
The summit called on all countries “to take effective legal and political measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people.” These include “supporting efforts to end Israel’s impunity, imposing sanctions, suspending the transfer of weapons and dual-use materials, reviewing diplomatic and economic relations, and pursuing legal action.”
The leaders also called on OIC member states to “examine Israel’s UN membership in light of its clear violations of the Charter and its persistent disregard for UN resolutions, with the possibility of coordinating efforts to suspend Israel’s membership.
The statement tasked “OIC member states that are parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to support the enforcement of arrest warrants issued on Nov. 21, 2024, against those accused of crimes against the Palestinian people.”
It also urged diplomatic, political, and legal efforts to ensure Israel’s compliance with the binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on Jan. 26, 2024, in the Gaza genocide case.
The joint statement from the summit urged “all States to take all possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people”, including “reviewing diplomatic and economic relations with it, and initiating legal proceedings against it”.
Qatar´s fellow Gulf nations the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, along with Egypt, Jordan and Morocco, were among those present that recognise Israel. The leaders of the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, which signed the Abraham Accords recognising Israel five years ago to the day, did not attend Monday´s talks, sending senior representatives instead.
Speaking after the meeting, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary general Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, said: “We … expect our strategic partners in the United States to use their influence on Israel in order for it to stop this behaviour … They have leverage and influence on Israel, and it’s about time that this leverage and influence be used.”
In a statement at the end of the summit, the GCC said their unified military command will be instructed “to take the necessary executive measures to activate joint defence mechanisms and Gulf deterrent capabilities”.
An assessment will be made of the “Council’s defence posture and sources of threat in light of the aggression against Qatar,” the statement read without providing further details.
Arab leaders have been shocked Donald Trump has not shown more willingness to stop what they regard as Israel’s clear attempt to expand its territory, including mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Their mood will not be eased by reports from Israel that Benjamin Netanyahu gave Donald Trump an earlier warning of the attack on Qatar than Trump has previously acknowledged.
Many Gulf leaders said they now need clear proof that Trump is going to rein in Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia´s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was among those present on Monday’s summit, as were Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
“Tomorrow, it could be the turn of any Arab or Islamic capital,” said Pezeshkian, whose country fought a 12-day war with Israel in June. He said “no Arab or Islamic country is safe from the attacks of the Zionist regime [Israel] and we have no choice but to unite our ranks”.
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the president of Egypt, a US ally which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, said Israel’s actions “put obstacles in the way of any opportunities for any new peace agreements and even aborts existing ones”.
At the summit, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the chair of the UAE presidential court, said Qatar “is not standing alone” and that “the united voice of Arab and Islamic countries today must lead to change”, the state news agency Wam reported.
The Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, said the real target of recent Israeli aggression was mediation efforts and the principle of solutions through dialogue. “The aim of the attack was not an attempt to assassinate negotiators. Rather, it was to eliminate the very idea of negotiation,” he said.
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdo an, said that Israel’s attack on the Hamas negotiating team in Qatar had taken “Israel’s banditry” to a different level. “We are facing a terrorist mentality that feeds on chaos and blood, and a state that embodies it,” he said.
Inaugurating the summit, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani warned against Israel’s expansionist vision of the Arab region as he lambasted the country for last week’s deadly bombing of Doha, calling the assault “blatant, treacherous, and cowardly”.
“My country’s capital was subjected to a treacherous attack targeting a residence housing the families of Hamas leaders and their negotiating delegation,” the Qatari emir said.
“Our citizens were surprised, and the entire world was shocked by the aggression and cowardly terrorist act,” he said, referring to the global condemnation of the September 9 attack that killed six people. “We are determined to do whatever is necessary to preserve our sovereignty and confront Israeli aggression.”
Sheikh Tamim said Israel’s actions showed it had no genuine interest in peace, adding that Israel is attempting to “thwart the negotiations” aimed at ending Israel’s war in Gaza, which has killed more than 64,800 Palestinians.
“Anyone who persistently and systematically targets a negotiating party is working to thwart the negotiations,” he said. Sheikh Tamim accused Israel of waging what he described as a war aimed at destroying Gaza, which has been under unrelenting Israeli bombardment for the past 23 months.
“The Israeli war on Gaza has turned into a war of extermination,” he said. “Israel wants to make Gaza uninhabitable as a prelude to displacing its population.” The Qatari emir said that Netanyahu is dreaming of making the Arab region “an Israeli sphere of influence”, and said that believing “the Arab region will become an Israeli zone of influence is a dangerous illusion”.
He went on to note that Israel’s rejection of the Arab Peace Initiative had contributed to repeated cycles of violence in the region. In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Israel’s reckless and provocative attack on Doha on September 9, calling for action against Israel for war crimes and sought an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
He said the summit was held on a very sombre and sorrowful occasion, when the brotherly Islamic state of Qatar was treacherously targeted, by an aggressor, who violated international law without fear of any consequence.
The prime minister said, “This was a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar.” “We express our all-out support and solidarity, with our Qatari brothers and sisters,” he said adding, “Israel’s assault, against Qatar is not an isolated incident. It is yet another manifestation of its declared, hegemonic ambitions.” “Even in wartime, the role of peace mediators is always deemed inviolable and held sacrosanct.
They are the messengers of fragile hope, - hope of keeping dialogue alive, to advance prospects of peace,” he remarked. “One is therefore, compelled to question: Why then this charade of negotiations? Was the return of hostages ever a priority for a country that has no respect, or regard for human life?” he went on to say.
He continued, “We deeply appreciate, Qatar’s sincere and tireless diplomatic efforts, guided by the able leadership of the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“Qatar has consistently, endeavoured to bridge divides and promote the noble cause of regional as well as global peace, under the most daunting challenges,” he observed.
“While, Gaza bleeds, the heart wrenching cries, of its innocent women and children echo through these halls,” he continued, saying, “We can hear, the frail voice, of the ten-year-old boy, Ameer, who walked twelve kilometres, bare footed, for a few morsels of bread, only to be gunned down by Israeli soldiers, along with 64,000 of his fellow countrymen.
“Israel’s genocidal campaign in Palestine, has reduced Gaza, to rubble and ruin. The world shall always bear, the scars of this unending carnage, etched on the very soul of humanity. Injustice has reached, an unbearable level. This must stop! And stop now,” he stressed.
He said that Pakistan had reiterated urgent and essential steps. “Israel must be held accountable, for its war crimes against humanity in Palestine,” he said and underlined the need for creation of an Arab-Islamic task force, to adopt effective measures to ward off Israeli expansionist designs. “We reiterate the OIC’s call to suspend Israel’s membership of the United Nations. Member states should actively consider implementing other appropriate measures against Israel,” he emphasised.
The prime minister said the UN Security Council, must urgently demand, from Israel, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and exchange of Palestinian prisoners. He underscored the need for guaranteed, sustained and secure humanitarian access to all civilians in need and the protection of aid workers, medical teams, journalists and UN personnel.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a just, comprehensive and lasting two state solution must be achieved with the creation of an independent State of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.”
While concluding his speech he said, “Today, in this historic gathering, we have affirmed solidarity, in our intentions, in our thoughts, and in our words. In unison, we have all condemned Israel’s aggression.
“Let history record this moment, when we, the leaders of the Arab-Islamic world, have chosen unity, dignity and courage over silence and inaction,” he said, adding, “Otherwise, my brothers and sisters, may I submit in all humility, posterity will never forgive us!”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan on the sidelines of the Emergency Arab–Islamic Summit and discussed the situation in the wake of Israel’s recent attack on Qatar on September 09, 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff were also present in the meetings. During the extremely warm and cordial meeting with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, they exchanged views on the situation emerging after Israel’s aggression on Doha.
Shehbaz strongly condemned Israel’s action and termed it as a deliberate attempt by Israel to derail the Middle East peace efforts. He conveyed his deep appreciation for the crown prince’s bold and sagacious leadership in unifying the Ummah at this critical time.
In this regard, the prime minister assured the Saudi crown prince of Pakistan’s all out diplomatic support, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member, as well as at all other diplomatic multilateral foras, including the OIC.
He said that the convening of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha had sent out an important message that Muslims around the world spoke with one voice against Israel’s unlawful and reckless aggression that threatened regional peace and security.
While reaffirming the historic, deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the prime minister thanked the crown prince for the kingdom’s steadfast support for Pakistan, through thick and thin.
The crown prince said that he was looking forward to PM’s upcoming state visit to Riyadh later this week, that would provide both sides an important opportunity for a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral as well as regional and global issues. The prime minister conveyed his warm respects and regards for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
MBS, expressed his appreciation for the prime minister’s leadership and for Pakistan’s active diplomatic efforts, including at the UNSC and OIC to express solidarity with Qatar at this critical time.
In his meeting with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of Israeli aggression against Qatar on September 9. Both leaders expressed their solidarity with Qatar and termed the violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel as reckless and a blatant violation of international law.
The prime minister also met with King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s recent aggression against Qatar, terming it a grave violation of law and an attempt to derail Middle East peace efforts.
The prime minister lauded King Abdullah II’s steadfast leadership on the Palestinian cause. The two leaders underscored the urgency of Muslim unity in confronting Israel’s belligerent actions and agreed to continue close consultations to mobilise international support for peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, the premier landed in Qatar to participate in the summit. Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, welcomed Shehbaz upon his arrival in Doha.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Israel´s new offensive on Gaza City and the goal of eradicating Hamas, casting doubt on whether diplomacy would work to end nearly two years of war.
“The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio told reporters at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime minister Netanyahu.
“You can count on our unwavering support,” he said. He called Hamas, whose unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the massive military response, “barbaric animals.”
“As much as we may wish that there be a sort of 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 that´s not going to happen,” Rubio said.
Rubio said international efforts to recognise the Palestinian state “emboldens [Hamas]” and makes it harder to end the war. He says the US has expressed this view to its allies, which includes the UK, France and Canada.
Rubio will travel Tuesday to Qatar, which is home to the largest US air base in the region and has assiduously courted Trump including with a gift of a luxury plane.
Israel has launched a major new military campaign aimed at seizing Gaza City, the territory´s largest urban centre, where the United Nations determined last month a million people were facing famine -- a finding rejected by Israel.
Israeli strikes killed another 42 people Monday, many of them in Gaza City, the civil defence agency reported. Netanyahu said Rubio´s visit was a “clear message” the United States stood with Israel and called Trump “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had”.
Netanyahu said he did not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders “wherever they are”. Asked if Israel was considering extending its sovereignty to the West Bank, 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,” he said.