By Dr. Sameera Aziz
Moments of regional turbulence often blur into the background of a complex geopolitical landscape—until one incident forces the world to pause. Israel’s recent airstrike on Qatari territory has done precisely that: jolting the Gulf into a reckoning over sovereignty, mediation, and unity.
On 9 September 2025, Israel launched Operation “Summit of Fire,” targeting Hamas leaders convened in Doha. In an instant, the strike transcended battlefield headlines to become a crisis of international law. Qatar called the attack “cowardly” and “criminal,” reaffirming its role as a steadfast mediator; Russia condemned it as a “gross violation of international law,” and UN Secretary-General António Guterres denounced it as a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.”
GCC partners—including Saudi Arabia and the UAE—responded swiftly, warning that Gulf cohesion is the surest safeguard against further escalations.
Beyond the Strike: Shaping the Narrative
This incident cannot be viewed in isolation. It is not only about an attack but about the narratives shaping public perception. Some voices critical of Qatar highlight its diplomatic outreach, while others question Saudi Arabia and the UAE over their commercial ties with Washington—suggesting dependency.
But these arguments miss the essential truth: this was Israel’s strike on a sovereign Gulf nation, carried out with apparent disregard for diplomatic norms, territorial integrity, and regional stability. Attempting to shift blame within the GCC weakens collective strength and distracts from the real issue: a violation of sovereignty.
The simplest fact stands unchallenged: sovereignty was breached, and Gulf security has been shaken. Rather than point fingers or fuel internal divides, the region must focus on shared security interests and collective dignity.
Qatar’s Mediation: Resilience Amid Pressure
Despite direct aggression, Qatar has maintained its commitment to mediation, continuing its efforts on hostage releases and ceasefire negotiations. At the time of the strike, Hamas leaders were reportedly considering a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.
Undermining Qatar’s mediation role risks closing one of the few remaining diplomatic channels between conflicting parties. Gulf stability demands that such efforts be strengthened, not sidelined.
A New Dimension: Donald Trump and U.S. Responsibility
Former U.S. President Donald Trump—welcomed warmly during his previous visits to GCC capitals—has expressed unhappiness over Israel’s strike on Doha, calling it “a deeply troubling escalation at a fragile time.” His remarks have reignited the debate over Washington’s role in Gulf stability and the expectations of U.S. leadership.
This is not about assigning blame, but about clarifying responsibilities. The United States, as a longstanding strategic partner for much of the GCC, cannot afford passivity when the sovereignty of a Gulf nation is threatened. If Washington seeks to maintain credibility, it must:
- Draw clearer diplomatic red lines with Israel.
- Coordinate effectively with GCC partners before such operations.
- Reaffirm commitment to regional stability and mutual respect.
Trump’s statement offers an opening. If he positions himself as an advocate for peace, his role—whether political or advisory—could focus on repairing fractured trust and supporting inclusive dialogue, rather than enabling unilateral actions that undermine Gulf security.
The Palestine Question: A Necessary Reset
The Doha strike underscores an uncomfortable truth: the Palestinian issue remains the unhealed wound at the heart of Middle Eastern instability. Without a credible roadmap for peace, cycles of escalation will continue.
Donald Trump, who oversaw the Abraham Accords, now faces an opportunity—perhaps even a moral imperative—to push for a fairer, lasting solution:
- Revive balanced dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis under international supervision.
- Support frameworks that respect sovereignty, preventing Doha-like incidents from recurring.
- Encourage inclusive GCC participation to rebuild trust and protect regional cohesion.
If the U.S. aims to be viewed as a partner in peace, it must facilitate—not frustrate— a just resolution for Palestinians while safeguarding Gulf security.
Paths Forward in Principle
The Gulf’s collective response must reflect calm purpose, not reactionary alarm. While public statements may remain measured, the region’s diplomatic actions should be cohesive and deliberate:
- International Accountability: Support Qatar’s case at the UN and reinforce legal norms. Sovereignty matters.
- Protecting Mediation Channels: Qatar’s role as mediator should be preserved as vital infrastructure for peacebuilding.
- Strategic U.S. Engagement: Washington’s partnership must be grounded in transparency, respect, and balance.
- Regional Solidarity: Counter divisive narratives and strengthen GCC unity as the first line of defense.
Beyond Propaganda, Toward Solidarity
Some voices seek to exploit the situation—linking Qatar’s diplomacy or Saudi and UAE’s ties with Washington to political dependency. These arguments overlook the central reality: Israel’s strike was an attack on a sovereign Gulf nation.
This must not become ammunition for Gulf division. Instead, it should serve as a reminder:
- Unity remains our strength.
- Dialogue remains our tool.
- Mutual respect remains our shield.
About the Author
Dr. Sameera Aziz is a senior Saudi journalist, businesswoman, poet, and cross-cultural commentator based in Jeddah. Holding a PhD in Mass Media, she is among the pioneers of female journalism in Saudi Arabia and champions Vision 2030’s principles of balance, responsibility, and strategic optimism.
