In a significant diplomatic move, nearly sixty leaders from the Arab and Islamic world convened in Doha to reaffirm their support for Qatar following the unprecedented breach of its sovereignty on September 9.
The summit, which attracted heads of state, ministers, and high-ranking officials, produced a fiery final communique filled with rhetoric of unity, resistance, and accountability. Yet, while the statements were assertive in tone, the document lacked concrete, enforceable steps or timelines for implementation, leaving observers to wonder how much of the summit’s promises will translate into tangible action.
The Doha summit highlighted two primary objectives. First, it emphasised the urgent need to hold Israel accountable for violations against Qatar and broader regional provocations. Second, it sought to strengthen the cohesion of the Arab and Islamic world in defence of its members and the Palestinian cause. Much of the operational details likely occurred behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, the summit succeeded in sending a powerful political signal of unity and resistance, particularly in the context of escalating Israeli attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israeli transgressions were notably addressed, albeit couched in cautious language. For example, several measures that member states “can” consider was listed, including: imposing sanctions, suspending the transfer or transit of weapons and military materials (including dual-use items), reviewing diplomatic and economic relations, and initiating legal proceedings against Israel.
The insertion of qualifiers such as “possible” or “may” creates a gap between intent and execution. Similarly, the suggested suspension of Israel’s membership to the United Nations is framed as an action to be “examined,” rather than actively pursued.
Despite these limitations, the very inclusion of these steps signals a willingness among Arab and Islamic states to challenge Israel’s regional behaviour more assertively than in recent years.
Legal scholars have long argued that international law, particularly the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions, provides mechanisms to hold states accountable for breaches of sovereignty, occupation, and war crimes. Doha’s communique, therefore, represents both a political and legal statement, even if it stops short of immediate enforcement.
Internally, the summit reaffirmed unwavering support for Qatar, pledging to safeguard its sovereignty and security. Equally important was the emphasis on providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli bombardment has created a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of civilians.
By linking Qatar’s security to the broader Palestinian cause, the summit framed regional stability as inherently interdependent.
The long-standing commitment to a viable Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution was also emphasised – an effort currently being championed by France and Saudi Arabia in international diplomatic channels.
Jordan also played a critical role in ensuring that Israel’s attempts to alter the status quo in Jerusalem, particularly at Islamic holy sites such as Al-Aqsa Mosque, were also raised. After all, the Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites remains a central pillar of Jordanian foreign policy and a key factor in regional diplomacy.
Perhaps the most tangible outcome of the Doha summit was the activation of mutual defence agreements among member states, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Observers noted what appeared to be unusually cordial exchanges between former rivals, seen by many during the group photo set up that included Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
While the details of the summit's commitments remain opaque, the political symbolism is clear: Gulf states are signalling readiness to act collectively in defence of mutual sovereignty and regional stability.
While the summit’s anti-Israel rhetoric may satisfy public expectations, countries like Jordan must carefully weigh the costs of escalation. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, recently delivered a stern message at the United Nations Security Council, condemning Israel as a “rogue government” that “uses brute force to impose a racist ideology” and threatens regional peace.
Safadi’s strong language has drawn backlash from Israel, with officials threatening to cut off water and gas supplies to Jordan—a move that could have severe economic and humanitarian consequences. He also painted a grim picture of Gaza under Israeli blockade and bombardment, where over a million residents face starvation, forced displacement, or death.
Even King Abdullah II, who usually reserves diplomatic restraint for public statements, condemned Israel’s current coalition government as “extremist” and accused it of systematically undermining the two-state solution while threatening Lebanon, Syria, and regional stability.
Jordan’s vulnerability to Israeli supply cut-offs underscores the delicate balancing act the kingdom faces. While activists have called for a unilateral break from a high-penalty gas contract with an American-Israeli consortium, the cost of doing so is estimated at $1 billion. According to energy expert Amer Shobaki, even if Israel were to sever supplies unilaterally, Jordan would still face additional costs of approximately $400 million to procure alternative sources, including liquefied natural gas via its newly constructed port in Aqaba.
The recent visit of Emir Tamim to Jordan may signal attempts to develop contingency plans to mitigate potential Israeli disruptions. Qatar’s energy capacity, financial resources, and regional influence could provide a safety net for Jordan, ensuring continued access to gas and water supplies in the event of political escalation.
Indeed, the Doha summit reflects a critical juncture for Arab and Islamic diplomacy. On one hand, the stakes have been raised for Israel, calling for accountability measures, sanctions, and support for the Palestinian cause. On the other hand, the lack of concrete timelines, enforcement mechanisms, or binding commitments raises questions about the summit’s ultimate efficacy.
What Doha achieves, however, is a reaffirmation of Arab and Islamic solidarity and a recalibration of regional alliances. By linking the security of Qatar with broader regional stability, emphasising humanitarian aid, and activating mutual defence frameworks, the summit has created a roadmap that could, if properly followed, redefine the balance of power in the Middle East.
For Jordan, the challenge will be translating this roadmap into practical measures without exposing itself to unsustainable economic or political risks. For the broader Arab world, Doha offers a template for collective action—ambitious in rhetoric yet measured in execution—that underscores the enduring need for unity in the face of ongoing regional challenges.
Daoud Kuttab an award-winning Palestinian journalist, is the author of the new book State of Palestine NOW.
Follow Daoud on X: @daoudkuttab
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Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The New Arab, its editorial board or staff.