Arab, Islamic States Rally Behind Qatar After Israeli Strike Sparks Regional Summit

Arab and Islamic states have thrown their weight behind Qatar after what they called Israel’s “barbaric” attack on Doha last week, vowing to support any steps Qatar takes to defend its sovereignty.

“We appreciate the solidarity of brotherly Arab and Islamic countries and friendly countries from the international community that condemned this barbaric Israeli attack,” Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said on Sunday. “It expressed its full support for us and the legitimate legal measures we will take to preserve the sovereignty of our country.”

Sheikh Mohammed spoke as foreign ministers from Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states convened in Doha ahead of an emergency summit of leaders on Monday. The city, normally a mediator in the region’s crises, has been thrust into the heart of the confrontation after Tuesday’s strike killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, narrowly missing negotiators discussing a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

“It’s time for the international community to abandon dual standards and to hold Israel accountable for all the crimes it has committed,” Sheikh Mohammed said at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, calling for “fierce” and “firm” measures in response.

Delegates from the Arab League and OIC are drafting a joint resolution expected Monday, which could mark a shift from the usual pattern of strong statements but limited action.

“It’s been the narrative of the Arab summit that [there are] only statements of condemnation. But I don’t think that’s the case [any more],” said Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka, chief editor of the Gulf Times. “I think it will be [the adoption of] certain measure[s] that will give a very strong statement to Netanyahu.”

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said the “ongoing state terrorism” against the region’s people demanded a UN General Assembly resolution to end Israel’s practices and push forward the two-state solution. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed the need for a clear message of solidarity with Qatar, accusing Israel of “killing civilians, starving the population and driving an entire population homeless.”

Despite the attack, analysts expect Qatar’s ties with Washington to hold. The Gulf nation hosts the largest US base in the Middle East at Al Udeid and has been a non-NATO ally since the 1970s.

US President Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Doha on Sunday.

“We are with them. You know, they have been a great ally,” he told reporters. “They also lead a very difficult life because they are right in the middle of everything … but I will tell you, they have been a great ally for the United States.”