Qatar, a central mediator in the Gaza war, has found itself at the heart of the conflict after an Israeli attack on its territory. In response, Doha is hosting an emergency Arab-Islamic summit, transforming from a neutral negotiator to a nation rallying for regional support against what it calls Israeli “state terrorism.”
The Israeli strike on September 9th, which aimed for but missed Hamas’s leadership, has put Qatar in an unprecedented position. A Qatari security officer was killed alongside five Hamas members, turning the mediator into a victim of the very conflict it seeks to resolve. This has prompted a powerful display of solidarity from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Despite the attack, Qatar’s critical role in negotiations remains. It is one of the few channels of communication for securing a ceasefire and the release of 48 hostages still held by Hamas. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pressure on Doha to expel Hamas leaders complicates these delicate efforts, potentially sabotaging the chances for peace.
The Doha summit is therefore a crucial event. It’s a collective assertion by regional powers that the sovereignty of a key diplomatic player must be respected. The gathering aims to ensure that Qatar can continue its mediation efforts without being subjected to military pressure, which threatens to unravel the fragile path toward ending the devastating conflict in Gaza.