Doha: Qatar has announced it will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on Sunday and Monday to discuss Israel’s recent strike on the Qatari capital. The meeting is expected to bring together leaders from across the region in a show of unity and to deliberate on the implications of the attack.
On Thursday, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended funeral prayers for those killed in the strike at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha. The incident drew sharp criticism from Arab and Islamic countries, with calls for collective action against Israel’s escalating operations.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions, accusing him of “killing any hope” for the release of hostages through his aggressive policies. He said the attack in Doha undermined ongoing mediation efforts.
Netanyahu has demanded Qatar expel Palestinian political representatives or prosecute them. In response, the Qatari Foreign Ministry rejected what it described as “explicit threats” and reaffirmed that its hosting of political offices was done transparently and with international approval, including from the United States and Israel.
“The negotiations were conducted with international support and in the presence of American and Israeli delegations,” the ministry said, adding that Netanyahu’s statements were an attempt to justify violations of sovereignty.
Qatar also confirmed it is reviewing its role in ongoing mediation, in coordination with Washington. The United States expressed displeasure at the strike, with President Donald Trump reportedly telling Netanyahu in a heated call that his decision was unwise.
The Arab-Islamic summit in Doha is expected to focus on a joint response to Israel’s actions and the future of regional diplomacy.
