Trump issues warning to Israel following Qatar assault
In a significant development, an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic leaders is scheduled for Monday, aiming to show unity among Gulf countries and pile pressure on Israel. The summit comes a week before a French-led summit at the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state.
The gathering is viewed as a "litmus test" by Middle East lecturer Karim Bitar, as many of the leaders' constituents are "sick and tired of the old-style communiques." The summit is expected to be attended by countries including Qatar, Turkey, and others, who are demanding that the US and Israel condemn a deadly attack on Qatari territory by a US ally and impose penalties on Israel for its actions.
The controversy stems from Israel's recent airstrike on Qatar, which reportedly targeted Hamas leaders. The attack, which occurred on unspecified dates, resulted in the death of five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has urged the international community to reject "double standards" and hold Israel accountable.
Israel's actions have also raised concerns about the undermining of US credibility as a security partner, with Gulf states seeking stronger U.S. security guarantees. The issue of Israeli expansionism in the region has been a point of contention, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stating it as the biggest problem.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall Tunnels in Jerusalem on Sept. 14, 2025. During a meeting on Monday, Rubio is reported to have discussed Israeli military plans to seize Gaza City and the government's talk of annexing parts of the occupied West Bank. Rubio also stated that President Trump wants the Gaza war to be "finished with," which would mean the release of hostages and ensuring Hamas is "no longer a threat."
Meanwhile, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas arrived in Doha on Sunday. The summit is expected to see the attendance of international leaders such as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Hamas politburo member Bassem Naim hopes the summit will produce a "decisive and unified Arab-Islamic position."
It remains unclear whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, will attend the gathering. Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region, adding a complex layer to the geopolitical dynamics at play.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with hopes for a peaceful resolution and a renewed commitment to upholding international law and accountability.
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