Qatar to Host Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit After Israeli Strike in Doha Targets Hamas Leaders

Doha: Qatar will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit this coming Sunday and Monday in its capital Doha, following a rare and provocative Israeli airstrike that targeted Hamas leaders on Qatari soil, according to a formal invitation issued by the Qatar News Agency.

The summit aims to address what Qatar and other regional leaders are calling an unprecedented violation of sovereignty, after Israel launched strikes in Doha on September 9, reportedly aiming to eliminate senior Hamas figures.

Though Hamas confirmed that the attack did not hit its top negotiators, five of its members were killed, including the son of exiled Gaza chief Khalil Al Hayya. The incident marks a dramatic escalation in Israel’s military campaign and has drawn swift condemnation from countries across the Arab world, as well as the European Union.

Netanyahu Issues Ultimatum to Qatar

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Qatar: expel Hamas leaders or face more consequences.

“Either you bring them to justice, or we will,” Netanyahu said, accusing Qatar of harboring and financing Hamas — a claim Qatar firmly denies.

Qatar: “This is State Terrorism”

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, condemned the airstrike in an interview with CNN, describing it as “state terrorism” and an act that “killed any hope” of securing a deal for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

“Netanyahu is fully aware that the Hamas office in Doha was hosted within the framework of mediation efforts — at the request of both Israel and the United States,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Honestly, I have no words to express how enraged we are from such an action,” the Prime Minister added. “There is a very minimum level of manners and ethics. This has crossed it.”

When asked whether Qatar felt betrayed, he replied without hesitation: “Yes.”

Regional Support Grows for Qatar

In a show of Arab solidarity, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Doha on Wednesday, offering personal support to the Qatari leadership.

Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein is also expected to visit the capital the same day, while Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to arrive Thursday, according to sources speaking to Reuters.

“These visits were not planned in advance,” one official told Reuters. “They are a clear sign of regional unity and support for Qatar following the Israeli strikes.”

Looking Ahead

The emergency summit in Doha will likely focus on collective Arab and Islamic responses to Israel’s actions, possible diplomatic consequences, and a reassessment of Qatar’s role as mediator in the Gaza conflict — a role it has maintained for years with the tacit approval of both Israel and the United States.

This marks a significant turning point in the Middle East crisis, with Qatar’s neutrality and diplomatic role now under direct threat amid growing regional instability.

Source: Qatar News Agency, Reuters, CNN