Arab and Islamic leaders are meeting in Doha for an emergency summit expected to condemn Israel's attack on Qatar whilst stopping short of diplomatic or economic measures against Tel Aviv, Marib Press and QNA reported on September 15.

A draft declaration leaked earlier on September 14 already indicates the direction of the summit, as bnm IntelliNews learned. The contents indicate a condemnation of the Israeli attack on Qatar and describe it as a destabilising escalation that threatens regional stability. Doha is likely now to 

The draft discussed by foreign ministers included objections to “Israel's plans to impose a new reality on the region” following the September 9 attack targeting residential headquarters housing Hamas political bureau members in Doha. Following the strikes, the Arab public across the region has now solidified its position against the Jewish majority state and could potentially target Israeli assets across the globe.

The leaked statement affirmed that the attack on Qatari territory - a state serving as a key mediator in efforts to secure a ceasefire and end the war on Gaza whilst securing the release of hostages and prisoners – “represents a serious escalation and assault on diplomatic efforts to restore peace.”

It also rejected attempts to justify the aggression under any pretext, emphasising it constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter aimed at undermining existing mediation efforts to end Gaza fighting.

Qatar expressed appreciation during the ministerial meeting for widespread solidarity from Arab and Islamic states and friendly international community members against the Israeli attack on residential compounds in the capital.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim described the attack as “state terrorism” representing an approach by Israel's current extremist government that “tramples international law underfoot and targets the security of the entire region in blatant defiance of international legitimacy.”

He told the Arab and Islamic foreign ministers meeting that regional states must not remain silent against “this barbaric aggression" and should take “real and tangible measures at various levels to prevent further transgression that, if left unchecked, will not stop and we will inevitably find ourselves facing an endless series of blood and destruction.”

Iranian state-controlled media and independent outlets have also jumped on the Qatar strike following its 12-day war with Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will also attend the event and is expected to announce a regional security agreement against Tel Aviv. 

Israel’s Haaretz confirmed Tel Aviv is closely monitoring the expected event and preparing for any scenario whilst hoping to prevent further deterioration in Israel's regional political position.

Hebrew daily Maariv said the prevailing assessment is that the Arab response will focus on declaratory messages and diplomatic steps rather than developing into military action.