GCC Activates Defence Mechanism Amidst Condemnation of Israel’s Attack on Qatar

An emergency summit convened in Doha has seen leaders from Arab and Islamic nations come together to denounce Israel’s recent military actions targeting Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital. The summit culminated in a significant pledge from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to activate a joint defence pact, emphasizing solidarity among member states in the face of perceived aggression.

GCC’s Joint Defence Pact

The GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has initiated discussions to enhance its military capabilities in response to the escalating tensions in the region. Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that consultations among the bloc’s military bodies are already underway. A forthcoming meeting of the GCC’s Unified Military Command is expected to take place in Doha, although specific details regarding the new defence mechanism remain undisclosed. This pact stipulates that an attack on one member state will be regarded as an attack on all, reinforcing collective security.

Sheikh Tamim’s Strong Condemnation

During the summit, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened proceedings with a powerful denunciation of Israel’s actions, describing the bombings as “blatant, treacherous, and cowardly.” He highlighted that the attack targeted a residence housing families of Hamas leaders, who were reportedly engaged in discussions about a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. “My country’s capital was subjected to a treacherous attack,” Sheikh Tamim stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The Emir’s remarks were echoed in a joint statement from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which condemned Israel’s actions and expressed unwavering support for Qatar. The statement emphasized the need for a united front to deter further aggression from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts

As the summit unfolded in Doha, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Israel, where he met with Netanyahu, who reiterated his threats against Hamas unless Qatar expelled its leaders. Despite these tensions, former President Donald Trump insisted that Israel would not strike Qatar again, following discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in New York.

Sheikh Tamim also cautioned that Israel’s ongoing military campaigns in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, coupled with its occupation of Syrian territory, contribute to regional instability. He called for “concrete steps” to address Israel’s aggressive policies, urging Arab and Muslim leaders to reconsider the security architecture in the region.

The Call for Action

While the summit’s communique expressed solidarity with Qatar and praised its mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the United States, it stopped short of outlining specific actions to counter Israel’s aggression. The leaders present acknowledged the need for a collective response to Israel’s violations of sovereignty, with Sheikh Tamim asserting that Israel’s actions demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in peace negotiations.

Andrea Dessi, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Rome, noted that the summit reflected a shift in tone among Arab and Islamic states, highlighting the necessity for a unified response to Israel’s military incursions.

Economic Pressure and Accountability

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called upon Arab and Muslim leaders to exert economic pressure on Israel, citing historical instances where such measures have proven effective. This sentiment was echoed by other leaders who expressed the need for tangible actions to accompany their rhetoric.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi characterized the attack on Qatari territory as a severe violation of international law that sets a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked that mere condemnations would not cease hostilities or resolve the Palestinian plight.

Conclusion: A New Era of Cooperation?

Despite the lack of immediate concrete measures arising from the summit, the discussions signal a potential shift toward greater cooperation among Arab and Islamic nations in addressing regional security concerns. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the GCC, called upon the United States to leverage its influence over Israel to curb its aggressive actions.

The Doha summit serves as a pivotal moment for regional leaders as they navigate the complexities of international relations and strive for a cohesive strategy to ensure the security and sovereignty of their states.

Key Facts

– The GCC has pledged to activate a joint defence mechanism in response to Israel’s attack on Qatar.
– The emergency summit in Doha condemned Israel’s actions as “cowardly” and emphasized solidarity with Qatar.
– Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani warned against Israel’s expansionist policies in the region.
– International reactions included calls for economic pressure on Israel and a unified Arab response.
– The summit reflects a potential shift in tone among Arab and Islamic states regarding regional security.

Source: www.aljazeera.com