Riyadh: Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former Saudi ambassador to the US and UK, has warned that the common security of Gulf states is under direct threat following Israel’s recent attack on Qatar. Speaking at the Dean of Ambassadors’ Gala Dinner in Riyadh, marking the golden jubilee of Arab News, he described Israel’s September 9 strike on Hamas leaders in Doha as “treacherous.”
The attack, which targeted Hamas officials discussing a possible ceasefire to end the Gaza war, was called an assault on Qatar’s sovereignty. Prince Turki stressed that the Gulf must rethink its collective security policies in response. “This is a reminder to all countries of the Gulf that their common security is under threat by a pariah state that gives no regard to any law,” he said.
He questioned the credibility of alliances when threats come from Israel, urging Gulf states to rebuild strategies to safeguard their sovereignty. He added that Israel must not be allowed a “free hand.”
Prince Turki also criticized the United States for abandoning its role as an impartial mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He accused Washington of practicing double standards, siding firmly with Israel while ignoring Palestinian rights.
Highlighting recent progress toward a two-state solution, he welcomed recognition of Palestine by several Western powers at the UN General Assembly, following Saudi and French diplomacy. He dismissed Israeli claims that such recognition rewards Hamas, calling them deceitful attempts to deny Palestinians their right to statehood.
