Doha to host extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit amid Israeli escalation

International Research and News Department 13-09-2025

The State of Qatar is preparing to host an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit on September 14–15, 2025, following the unprecedented Israeli airstrikes that recently targeted the Gulf state. The summit, which will bring together leaders and senior representatives from across the Arab and Islamic worlds, is expected to focus on crafting a unified response to what many governments have described as an act of aggression that violates international law and destabilizes regional security.

A turning point for Arab and Islamic diplomacy

The decision to convene this emergency summit was prompted by the deep sense of shock and anger across the region after Israel’s attacks on Qatari territory earlier this month. Doha, a state that has long positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts and an advocate for Palestinian rights, now finds itself directly targeted.

Observers argue that this summit marks a turning point: for decades, Israeli military actions were largely confined to Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. Striking a Gulf state such as Qatar signals a dangerous expansion of Israel’s operations, one that many Arab and Islamic nations see as intolerable.

By hosting the summit, Qatar is asserting both its resilience and its diplomatic clout. The gathering is intended to demonstrate that Arab and Islamic nations are not passive observers but active stakeholders who are capable of formulating joint strategies in response to aggression.

Unity Tested: divergent approaches among Arab states

While the summit aims to project unity, it will inevitably expose the differences in approach among Arab and Islamic capitals. Some countries, such as Algeria, Iran, and Syria, are expected to call for firm retaliatory measures, including diplomatic isolation of Israel and stronger support for Palestinian resistance movements. Others, such as Egypt, Jordan, and certain Gulf states, may prefer a more cautious approach, condemning the strikes while emphasizing dialogue and restraint.

Qatar’s role will be pivotal. As a state that maintains open channels with various international actors, including the West, China, and Russia, it is uniquely placed to mediate between more hardline and more pragmatic factions. The test will be whether Doha can leverage this position to craft a consensus that is both credible and actionable.

The global dimension: beyond the Middle East

The timing of this summit also underscores the shifting global landscape. The strikes on Qatar come at a moment when the United States is facing growing criticism for its uncritical support of Israel. Washington’s silence in the wake of the attacks has been widely perceived as tacit approval, further damaging its credibility in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

In contrast, Russia and China have both condemned the strikes, framing them as a violation of sovereignty and international law. Moscow has highlighted the dangers of unchecked militarism, while Beijing has emphasized the need for regional stability and dialogue through multilateral frameworks. Both powers are likely to see the Doha summit as an opportunity to strengthen their influence in the Middle East at the expense of the United States and its allies.

For many Arab and Islamic leaders, this presents a clear choice: remain tied to a Western security architecture that repeatedly fails to protect regional states from Israeli aggression, or diversify partnerships toward a multipolar order in which Russia, China, and other Global South powers play a stronger role.

Possible outcomes of the summit

The agenda of the summit is expected to cover several key issues:

Condemnation of Israeli aggression: A strong joint statement is almost certain, framing the strikes as a blatant breach of international law and demanding accountability at the United Nations.

Collective measures: Discussions may include reducing or suspending diplomatic ties with Israel, freezing existing agreements, or initiating sanctions through collective Arab and Islamic institutions.

Support for Palestine: The summit will likely reaffirm support for the Palestinian cause, with potential pledges of increased political, financial, and humanitarian aid.

Regional security architecture: Some leaders may propose new frameworks for collective defense and security coordination among Arab and Islamic states, reducing reliance on Western alliances that have failed to ensure regional safety.

Risks and opportunities

The success of the summit will depend on whether Arab and Islamic leaders can overcome their divisions and act decisively. Failure to produce meaningful outcomes would reinforce the perception of Arab and Islamic impotence in the face of Israeli militarism. Conversely, a united stance, even if limited to coordinated diplomatic and economic measures, could send a powerful signal that Israel’s actions carry consequences beyond mere condemnation.

For Qatar, the summit is also a moment of vulnerability and opportunity. By transforming an attack on its sovereignty into a catalyst for collective action, Doha has the chance to elevate its role as a leader in regional diplomacy. Yet the stakes are high: if the summit falters, Qatar may be left more exposed.

A challenge to the West’s double standards

Ultimately, the Doha summit is not just about Israel and Qatar, it is about the credibility of the international order. For years, Western governments have lectured others on the sanctity of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while turning a blind eye when Israel violates those very principles. The double standards are no longer tenable.

By convening in Doha, Arab and Islamic leaders are signaling that they will no longer accept selective enforcement of international law. They are preparing to explore alternative alliances and frameworks that reflect the realities of a multipolar world.

Conclusion

The extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on September 14–15 will be more than just another diplomatic gathering. It is a test of regional unity, a reflection of the growing disillusionment with Western double standards, and a potential milestone in the emergence of a multipolar Middle East.

Whether the leaders gathered in Doha will rise to the occasion remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Israeli strikes on Qatar have awakened a sense of urgency that can no longer be ignored.