By DAYO ADESULU
Doha/Jerusalem, Sept. 16, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Hamas leaders “are not safe anywhere in the world,” intensifying tensions after Israel’s controversial airstrike on Doha, which triggered a rare Arab-Islamic emergency summit in Qatar.
The summit, held on Monday under the chairmanship of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, brought together leaders from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In its final communiqué, the bloc condemned Israel’s strike on Qatari soil, calling it a “flagrant violation of sovereignty” and a grave threat to regional peace and international law.
Qatar Gains Backing, Israel Stands Firm
The Doha meeting reaffirmed “absolute solidarity” with Qatar, declaring that any attack on Qatar was an attack on all Arab and Islamic states. Leaders further warned of “catastrophic consequences” should Israel continue its strikes, especially against countries playing a mediation role in Gaza peace efforts.
Qatar, long a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, has doubled down on its diplomatic position. Officials in Doha accused Israel of undermining international mediation by targeting facilities hosting negotiation delegates.
But Netanyahu dismissed the criticism. Speaking in Jerusalem, he insisted:
“Hamas leaders should know this clearly — they are not safe anywhere. Not in Gaza, not in Doha, not in Tehran.”
His words signal Israel’s willingness to extend its campaign beyond Gaza, further straining ties with Qatar.
U.S. and Qatar Edge Toward Defence Pact
Amid the fallout, Washington is stepping up support for Qatar. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting the region this week, confirmed that the U.S. and Qatar are finalizing a bilateral defence agreement aimed at boosting security cooperation.
The move follows calls from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for a joint defence response if Israel continues its aggression. Analysts say a U.S.-Qatar pact could shift the balance of power in the Gulf, complicating Israel’s military calculus.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
While geopolitics escalate, the situation in Gaza remains dire.
UNRWA has closed its last clinic in northern Gaza.
422 Palestinians, including children, have died of starvation since last month.
Ten UN facilities were struck in just four days, drawing sharp criticism from humanitarian groups.
The UN warned that Israel’s blockade and repeated strikes are creating an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
Arab-Islamic World Pushes for Global Action
The Doha communiqué also called on member states to:
Suspend arms sales to Israel.
Impose sanctions for violations of international law.
Review diplomatic and economic ties with Tel Aviv.
Explore suspending Israel’s UN membership for repeated breaches of the UN Charter.
The summit further endorsed the upcoming Two-State Solution Conference in New York, set for Sept. 22, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. Leaders hope it could revive momentum for Palestinian statehood with East Jerusalem as its capital.
What’s Next?
For now, Israel shows no sign of backing down. With Netanyahu openly threatening Hamas leaders abroad, and Qatar rallying Arab-Islamic solidarity behind it, the feud risks expanding the Gaza war into a wider regional confrontation.
As one displaced Palestinian in Gaza told reporters:
“We are caught between bombs and politics. No summit, no speech, no pact is saving us right now.”
