Iraqi PM: Muslim nations must form collective shield against Israel

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has called for the creation of an Islamic military alliance in response to 'Israel’s' expanding campaign in the region, including last week’s deadly airstrike on Qatar, Anadolu Agency reported.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Sunday, Sudani described Tuesday’s strike in Doha, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, as “a shocking breach of international law,” adding that it underscored how 'Israel’s' actions pose a direct threat to wider regional stability.

“There is no reason Muslim nations cannot form a joint security force to defend themselves,” he said, urging Arab and Islamic governments to build a collective framework that combines political, economic, and security cooperation.

His comments coincided with a meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Doha, where officials gathered to prepare for an emergency summit scheduled for Monday. The agenda includes a renewed push to activate a long-discussed joint Arab military force, first floated by Egypt nearly a decade ago.

Sudani warned that 'Israeli' “aggression will not stop at Qatar,” pointing to what he called systematic killings in Gaza that have continued for nearly two years. According to Palestinian authorities, more than 64,800 people have been killed in the enclave since October 2023.

The strike in Doha hit a residential complex as Hamas leaders met to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal, intensifying frustration among regional mediators. Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has been leading efforts to broker an end to the war in Gaza.

Qatar’s government denounced the 'Israeli' strike as a “cowardly act” and a clear violation of international law, vowing not to accept 'Israel’s' “reckless behavior.”

International pushback followed, with members of the UN Security Council condemning the attack on Qatar. However, the Council’s statement avoided naming 'Israel' directly, calling only on all parties to “seize the opportunity for peace.”