Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Israel's 'Cowardly and Despicable' Attack on Qatar

Gulf States Rally Behind Qatar After Israeli Forces Conduct Operation on Qatari Territory

The Gulf Cooperation Council has issued its strongest condemnation yet of Israeli military actions, after forces conducted what officials called a "cowardly operation" on Qatari soil. The unprecedented solidarity statement signals a potential escalation in regional tensions and raises questions about the future of Qatar's delicate role as a Middle East mediator.

Unprecedented Regional Solidarity

GCC Secretary-General Jasim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi delivered an unusually sharp rebuke, describing the Israeli action as violating international law and UN treaties. More significantly, he pledged that all six Gulf states would stand "in one line" with Qatar against what he termed "treacherous aggression."

This level of unified Gulf support for Qatar marks a dramatic shift from the 2017-2021 blockade, when Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain severed ties with Doha. The crisis, resolved in early 2021, appears fully behind them as geopolitical realities force closer cooperation.

Strategic Implications for Regional Diplomacy

Al-Budaiwi specifically defended Qatar's hosting of Hamas political leadership, framing it as part of legitimate ceasefire mediation efforts rather than support for terrorism. This represents a calculated Gulf defense of Qatar's unique diplomatic positioning—something that would have been unthinkable during the blockade years.

Qatar has emerged as an indispensable mediator in Middle East conflicts, from Taliban negotiations to Gaza ceasefires. The small nation's ability to maintain channels with all parties—including Iran, Hamas, and Western allies—makes it too valuable to abandon, even for traditional rivals.

Testing International Response Mechanisms

The GCC's call for immediate international accountability reflects growing frustration with perceived Western inaction on Israeli operations beyond Palestinian territories. By targeting Qatari soil—home to the largest US military base in the Middle East—Israel may have miscalculated the regional response.

The incident puts Washington in a particularly awkward position, given its strategic partnerships with both Israel and Qatar. Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command, making Qatar's security a direct American interest.

Economic and Energy Considerations

Gulf unity carries significant economic weight. The six GCC states control roughly 30% of global oil reserves and 20% of natural gas. Any coordinated response—whether diplomatic or economic—could influence global energy markets already strained by multiple conflicts.

Qatar's role as the world's largest LNG exporter adds another layer of complexity. European nations, still reducing Russian energy dependence, cannot afford to see Middle East supplies disrupted by escalating regional tensions.

Broader Regional Realignment

This incident accelerates ongoing regional realignment trends. The Abraham Accords, once seen as isolating Iran and its proxies, now face pressure as Gulf states prioritize collective security over individual normalization benefits.

The strong GCC response suggests that cross-border operations, regardless of target, will be viewed as threats to the entire Gulf system. This represents a more assertive Gulf foreign policy stance, moving beyond traditional reliance on Western security guarantees toward regional self-reliance.

For Israel, the episode demonstrates that its operational freedom may be narrowing as regional dynamics shift. Actions that once drew muted responses now trigger coordinated pushback from increasingly confident Gulf partners.