Qatar's capital Doha
Arab-Islamic summit weighs action amid tensions with ‘Israel’
The 17th Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit since 1956 convenes on Monday in Doha, Qatar, with participation from a number of Arab and Islamic state leaders.
The summit’s agenda focuses on exploring ways to respond and coordinate a unified stance following last week’s unprecedented 'Israeli' attack on Qatar.
The summit places Qatar, which has served as the main mediator between 'Israel' and Hamas over the past two years, under a political test.
After playing a vital diplomatic role away from direct conflicts, the recent targeting of its territory imposes a new reality on Doha and raises questions about the future of its role in the Palestinian cause.
Foreign ministers from participating countries held a closed preparatory meeting on Sunday to discuss a draft final statement, which is scheduled to be presented to leaders for approval today.
The high level of attendance reflects the summit’s significance.
Confirmed participants include Iranian President Masoud Barzeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also arrived in Doha on Sunday evening to take part in the summit.
On the eve of the summit, Palestinian factions sent a message to the attending leaders, calling for “decisive measures” beyond traditional condemnations. The message urged the use of all Arab leverage, including:
- Activating the Arab Joint Defense Agreement.
- Using oil as a political tool.
- Imposing comprehensive Arab sanctions on 'Israel'.
