Views /Opinion

GCC representatives condemn Zionist aggression

At the recent Arab-Muslim summit in Doha, a representative of a GCC state strongly condemned the unprovoked Zionist aggression against Qatar, expressing full solidarity with its leadership, government and people. The representative emphasised that the security of Qatar is inseparable from that of the wider Gulf, Arab and Islamic nations. The statement went beyond condemnation, urging concrete legal and diplomatic measures to be taken at the United Nations, the Security Council and the General Assembly.

The representative called for the use of international law to hold Israel accountable for its actions, warning that unchecked aggression threatens not only regional stability but also international peace. Whilst these words are both correct and commendable, history demonstrates that words alone are insufficient to deter further Zionist aggression. Strong statements of solidarity and diplomatic pressure are essential, but they do not in themselves provide a deterrent against future Zionist attacks. The recent assault on Qatar highlights this reality. Despite Qatar’s good faith efforts to facilitate peace based on proposals previously advanced by the United States, it became the target of an unprovoked attack. This underscores the urgent need for policies that go beyond verbal condemnation and that provide real protection for states in the region. GCC states should by now understand following the attack on Qatar that promises by western allies cannot guarantee their people’s protection.

The current escalation is driven by the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist Zionist government, who has positioned himself as the principal architect of this aggressive strategy. His government’s actions reflect a broader Zionist agenda that prioritises territorial expansion and political dominance over dialogue and compromise. Unless Muslim states collectively make it clear that any further unprovoked aggression will be met with a firm and united response to include military action, Netanyahu and his administration are likely to continue pursuing policies that destabilise the region. Further attacks may follow. A credible deterrent - political, diplomatic and military- must be established to ensure that the Zionist occupiers cannot act with impunity against their neighbours. It may not be appropriate at this stage to consider direct military action, but history shows that Zionist aggression has rarely been curbed by words alone.

Iran’s experience provides one example of how determined military resistance can prevent further escalation. Over time Iran has demonstrated that the tactics of intimidation and unilateral aggression can be resisted. While approaches may differ across the Muslim world, the lesson remains that deterrence, not rhetoric, is what prevents further Zionist violations. The attack on Qatar also raises broader questions about the role of external powers. Despite the presence of the largest US military base in the region, Qatar was not shielded from aggression.

This has led to concerns about the reliability of international security guarantees and the need for regional states to develop their own collective mechanisms for defence and deterrence. Furthermore, the use of the term terrorism has become increasingly politicised. It is often applied selectively to justify aggression, rather than used in its true sense: the unlawful use of violence to achieve political ends. By this definition alone, Israel’s repeated resort to unprovoked military action under Netanyahu’s leadership aligns more closely with the very term it so often employs against others.

The summit in Doha has highlighted both unity and urgency. Condemnation is necessary, but it must be matched by practical steps: legal, diplomatic, trade embargoes and military threat, to ensure that further Zionist aggression is prevented.

If the Arab and Muslim nations are to safeguard their sovereignty and security, they must act collectively. Qatar’s experience serves as a stark reminder that peace cannot be achieved through goodwill alone. It requires strength, unity and a credible military deterrent against those who would undermine it.

— Karim Easterbrook is former Cambridge School principal and an author currently living in Oman