Cairo, Egypt – The emergency Arab-Islamic summit was held today in the Qatari capital, Doha, at the urgent call of Qatar following the Israeli attack that targeted residential sites of Hamas leaders inside Qatari territory. This unprecedented event placed the region at a pivotal moment. It prompted leaders to meet quickly to discuss the repercussions of the aggression and formulate a unified position that reflects Arab and Islamic solidarity.
The summit carried a different atmosphere than traditional summits. It was dominated by an emergency and security-related atmosphere. There was a shared sense of the need for a collective response, not just statements of condemnation and denunciation.
Speech by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the summit with a moving speech in which he described the Israeli attack as a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of an Arab state. He emphasized that what happened in Doha did not target Qatar alone, but rather represented a direct threat to the security and stability of the entire region.
The Emir of Qatar stressed that the Arab and Islamic stance is facing a real test. He called for overcoming differences and working as a united front. Practical measures must be taken to protect Arab national security and support the Palestinian cause.
Speech by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the idea of solidarity as a fateful choice. He pointed out that the current moment requires everyone to stand together behind a unified position. He emphasized that Egypt, with its political and historical weight, will continue its steadfast support for the rights of the Palestinian people. At the same time, it will stand with Qatar and every Arab country subjected to aggression.
Sisi also stressed that confronting Israeli policies cannot be achieved through statements alone, but rather through practical plans that translate political will into effective steps.
Speech of the Jordanian monarch, King Abdullah II
In his speech, King Abdullah II warned that the Israeli threat knows no bounds. He considered what happened in Qatar a message to all Arab and Islamic countries. He called for a collective stance that would send a strong message to the world. This message is that Arabs will not accept a recurrence of such violations.
He stressed that the Palestinian issue must remain a top priority at the summit, and that Jordan will continue to adhere to its role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Speech by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa
Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara’s speech was short and to the point, expressing his full solidarity with the State of Qatar. He praised the efforts of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad in leading the Arab position towards greater cohesion. He emphasized that Syria views this aggression as evidence of the danger of Israeli policies. He pointed out that the next phase requires closer coordination among Arab countries to confront challenges.
A remarkable presence and a questionable absence
The summit witnessed broad participation from leaders of Arab and Islamic countries. However, some absences were notable, most notably that of Lebanese President Michel Aoun. He was expected to attend. This absence raised questions about the reasons for not participating at such a sensitive political and security moment.
