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The Israeli strike on Doha last week was not an isolated incident. It carried implications that went far beyond Qatar itself, touching directly on the security of the Gulf and the stability of the wider region. The attack, which drew sharp condemnation across the Middle East and internationally, pushed Gulf, Arab and Islamic states to convene urgent summits, underscoring both the scale of the challenge and the need for a united response.

Monday’s extraordinary Gulf summit in Doha was the first and most immediate reaction. It underscored a long-standing principle: Gulf security is indivisible. By standing firmly with Qatar, its fellow Gulf Cooperation Council states sent an unmistakable message that any threat to one member is a threat to all. Their collective rejection of the attack reinforced the idea that the Gulf’s defense framework is not symbolic but a practical mechanism capable of deterring external aggression and safeguarding sovereignty.

The issue, however, was never confined to the Gulf. By expanding the discussion to the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, the incident was reframed as a matter of concern to the entire Arab and Islamic worlds. Solidarity with Qatar thus became a broader statement in defense of national sovereignty and a reaffirmation of the need to forge a common Islamic front against unilateral aggression.

Ironically, the attack on Qatar — intended to sow division — has instead underscored the value of unity

Hani Hazaimeh

What gives these summits their significance is not simply the rhetoric of condemnation, but the possibility of translating political solidarity into coordinated action. This means presenting a united Arab and Islamic stance on the global stage, rejecting Israeli violations and pressing for accountability. It also means reinforcing consultation and defense coordination mechanisms to deter future provocations.

Equally important is the development of a coherent media narrative that counters the justifications for aggression and highlights the realities faced by populations under occupation. Beyond the political and media dimensions, practical steps include channeling humanitarian and societal support to countries under pressure, linking official positions with the sentiments of their citizens.

Ironically, the attack on Qatar — intended to sow division — has instead underscored the value of unity. Rather than emerging weakened, Doha has found strength in the collective backing of its Arab and Islamic partners. What was meant to isolate Qatar has instead become a rallying point, producing a stronger and more cohesive regional stance. This moment may be remembered as one in which external aggression served to revive the spirit of collective action and demonstrate that cohesion, not fragmentation, is the true source of strength in the region.

The summits mark more than a diplomatic milestone — they represent a turning point in joint regional action

Hani Hazaimeh

The Gulf, Arab and Islamic summits mark more than a diplomatic milestone — they represent a turning point in joint regional action. They reaffirm that no state can face today’s challenges alone and that only through unity can nations resist aggressive policies and protect their sovereignty. They also lay the groundwork for a longer-term strategic vision, one that sees Arab and Islamic security as interconnected, transcending borders and individual interests.

The period that follows these summits is likely to differ markedly from what came before. A unified stance is no longer optional — it is a strategic necessity. It sends a clear message to the international community that Arab and Islamic states are prepared to confront threats collectively, to preserve their sovereignty and to defend regional security with the determination and coordination such challenges demand.

• Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh