Abu Dhabi: In the aftermath of Israel's recent airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has launched a high-profile diplomatic tour across Gulf nations, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to regional unity and coordinated security measures. The tour comes at a critical juncture, as tensions in the Gulf region escalate following the controversial Israeli operation.
Sheikh Mohammed began his visits in Doha, making a historic move as one of the first Gulf leaders to engage diplomatically following the attack. He was welcomed by Qatari officials, signaling a willingness among Gulf nations to consolidate their response and ensure stability amidst the growing regional volatility. The President’s subsequent stops included Bahrain and Oman, reflecting the UAE’s strategic effort to foster a unified Gulf stance in the face of external threats.
UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed’s tour highlights the importance of collective coordination among Gulf states. According to Gargash, the tour is not only about crisis management but also about reinforcing the principle of shared destiny among Gulf nations. The UAE, while maintaining its international partnerships, is intent on ensuring that the Gulf bloc presents a unified front in addressing regional security challenges.
The Israeli airstrike, which killed several senior Hamas officials, has drawn widespread condemnation across the region. Qatar strongly rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements accusing the nation of harboring Hamas, calling his remarks “reckless” and an attempt to justify a violent act condemned internationally. Netanyahu, in turn, demanded Qatar expel Hamas officials or face potential repercussions, further intensifying diplomatic strains.
In response, Qatar announced plans to convene an emergency Arab-Islamic summit aimed at discussing collective measures to safeguard regional stability. The meeting is expected to involve key Gulf nations and other Arab states, providing a platform for coordinated responses to unilateral military actions in the region.
Despite the UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords of 2020, the country has made it clear that attacks on any Gulf state are viewed as threats to regional security as a whole. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that maintaining solidarity within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is paramount, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to protecting the collective interests of its regional partners.
Analysts note that Sheikh Mohammed’s diplomatic efforts are timely, given the rising tensions in the Middle East. The Israeli strike has complicated relations not only between Israel and Qatar but also between Israel and other Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, while attracting concern from international actors such as the United States and the European Union. Experts suggest that unilateral military interventions like this could destabilize the region and hinder ongoing peace efforts.
As the UAE President continues his tour, attention remains focused on the potential outcomes of these engagements. The tour is expected to solidify Gulf unity, strengthen security coordination, and lay the groundwork for a collective approach to external threats, signaling a decisive and strategic response to recent developments in Doha.