Gulf States to Activate Joint Defense Mechanisms Following Israeli Bombing of Qatar

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced plans to activate joint defense mechanisms following an Israeli airstrike in Qatar’s capital Doha that allegedly targeted residential facilities housing members of Hamas’ political bureau delegation.

The Supreme Council of the GCC held an extraordinary session in Doha on September 15, chaired by Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Leaders and senior representatives from Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the GCC Secretary-General attended the emergency meeting.

The Council condemned “the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar and the flagrant violation of its sovereignty,” calling it a dangerous escalation and a breach of international law and the UN Charter.

The attack killed Badr Saad Mohammed Al Humaidi Al Dosari, a Qatari security officer, and caused civilian casualties in a residential area near schools, diplomatic missions, and kindergartens. Authorities in Qatar said the strike endangered civilians and undermined mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

The GCC declared that the security of its member states is “indivisible” and reaffirmed that an attack on one is considered an attack on all, just like NATO. Leaders directed the GCC Joint Defense Council to hold an urgent meeting in Doha, supported by the Higher Military Committee, to assess defense readiness and authorize the Unified Military Command to activate collective defense measures and deterrence capabilities.

The strike constituted a “direct threat to Gulf security and regional stability,” the statement warned. It stressed that continued Israeli actions jeopardize peace initiatives and existing agreements. The Council urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the wider international community to take “firm and deterrent measures” against Israel, including sanctions, to halt violations of international law.

The Council emphasized that repeated Israeli attacks in the region obstruct efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and protect civilians. It called on international organizations, Arab and Islamic states, and allied nations to condemn the attack and reinforce respect for Qatari sovereignty.

The meeting also underlined the need to uphold principles of sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to the UN Charter. The leaders expressed appreciation to states that swiftly condemned the attack and showed solidarity with Qatar.

In its closing remarks, the GCC accused Israel of “systematic crimes” in Gaza, including the displacement of civilians, targeting of journalists, medical staff, and aid workers, and obstructing humanitarian relief. The Council called for collective international action to halt what it described as crimes against humanity.