( Middle East Monitor ) – The Israeli attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in Doha was not simply an unsuccessful military operation—it represented a significant geopolitical fracture. It revealed the vulnerability of Gulf sovereignty, the limitations of Western alliances, and the pressing need for regional self-determination. Most crucially, it ignited a rare moment of defiance. Qatar’s courageous response may indeed mark the onset of a regional awakening.
A strike meant to intimidate
The Israeli assault was not a reaction to isolated incidents of violence in Jerusalem or Gaza; rather, it was a calculated effort to undermine peace negotiations and enforce Palestinian capitulation. The operation was presented as a strategic decision, not a tactical necessity. Israeli media initially hailed it as a historic triumph, only to later retreat into doubt as the operation’s success came under scrutiny.
According to Al-Akhbar, the strike was not spontaneous but a long-deliberated move, postponed due to internal Israeli political calculations and awaiting American approval. The attack was designed to send a message to all mediators and regional actors: no peace without total Palestinian surrender.
The illusion of partnership
The United States, reportedly notified in advance, failed to avert the strike. President Donald Trump was briefed and chose not to intervene, instead instructing his envoy to inform Doha after the fact. This revealed a painful reality: Western alliances do not ensure protection. Gulf states, often regarded as strategic partners, were reminded that they are asymmetrical in a geopolitical landscape that prioritises Israeli interests over regional stability.
The incident exposed the hollowness of diplomatic assurances. Washington’s passive complicity undermined its credibility as a neutral mediator and betrayed a strategic ally. As Al-Akhbar noted, the US was not merely informed—it was effectively a partner in the operation.
Qatar, however, chose not to comply.
Qatar’s bold stand
Instead of withdrawing, Qatar initiated a diplomatic counteroffensive. It rallied international condemnation, convened emergency Arab-Islamic summits, and reaffirmed its role as a mediator in Palestinian matters. In doing so, it shattered the pattern of Gulf passivity and provided a rare instance of principled defiance.
Qatar’s leadership role is now unmistakable. By refusing to yield, it has established itself as a champion of sovereignty and Palestinian rights. This could motivate other states, particularly those hesitant about normalisation, to unite around a more assertive regional stance.
This was not just a defence of national sovereignty—it was a defence of regional dignity. Qatar’s stance offered hope to millions who have watched their governments normalise occupation, abandon Palestine, and outsource their futures to foreign powers.
A shift in strategic posture
The incident in Doha has fundamentally altered the dynamics of regional engagement. It has exposed the risks of quiet diplomacy and forced a reassessment of the rules that have long governed Arab-Israeli relations. Qatar’s response signals a shift in strategic posture—from cautious mediation to active resistance.
This shift is not symbolic. Qatar possesses the diplomatic reach, media influence, and economic leverage to shape regional discourse. Its alliances with key international actors, including Turkey and influential Western institutions, position it to isolate Israel diplomatically and challenge its impunity on the global stage.
By leveraging its capabilities, Qatar can help redefine the terms of engagement—where sovereignty, accountability, and justice are no longer negotiable. This is not about confrontation for its own sake, but about restoring balance to a region long dominated by asymmetry and coercion.
A moment of awakening
The Doha strike may be remembered not for its military failure, but for what it awakened. It reminded the Arab world that sovereignty is not a gift—it is a stance. It exposed the dangers of unchecked Israeli aggression and the urgency of regional unity. It demonstrated that silence is complicity, and that resistance—diplomatic or otherwise—is still possible.
The incident also revealed deep fractures within Israel’s own security establishment. While some officials reportedly favoured delaying the strike until after a prisoner exchange, others pushed for immediate action to project strength. Both military and political leaders in Israel shared the same goal: the elimination of Hamas leadership and the dismantling of diplomatic channels.
The road ahead
If this moment is to carry meaning, it must be followed by action. Arab states must reassess their alliances, revive collective diplomacy, and reclaim their role in shaping the future of West Asia. The path forward is not through submission, but through increased communication and coordinated defence strategies across the region.
Doha, 2018. © Juan Cole.
This incident must also be viewed within the broader ideological framework of Israel’s expansionist vision—often referred to as “Greater Israel.” While not officially declared policy, this concept has been echoed in political and religious discourse, envisioning Israeli control over territories far beyond its recognised borders. These include all of historic Palestine, southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, parts of Syria including the Golan Heights, western Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia, and even the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Such ambitions, whether symbolic or strategic, pose a direct threat to the sovereignty of neighbouring states and the stability of the region.
In the aftermath of the Doha strike, Israeli media quickly shifted from triumphalism to anxiety. Initial celebrations gave way to concern over the operation’s effectiveness and its diplomatic fallout. The failure to eliminate Hamas leadership, if confirmed, could derail future negotiations and isolate Israel further. Compounding this isolation is the growing wave of international maritime solidarity with Gaza. Civilian-led flotillas and humanitarian ships—some backed by regional actors—have begun sailing toward the besieged enclave, challenging Israel’s blockade and drawing global attention to the humanitarian crisis. These efforts, while symbolic, signal a shift in public diplomacy: the siege is no longer accepted as a status quo, and the waters around Gaza are becoming a stage for resistance. Qatar, with its diplomatic reach and logistical capacity, could play a pivotal role in amplifying these initiatives, further pressuring Israel and reshaping the narrative from containment to confrontation.
Qatar lit a spark. Whether it becomes a flame depends on whether the region is ready to say, together, that enough is enough.
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