1、 Background of the event
1.1 Development of Israel Qatar Relations
In history, the relationship between Israel and Qatar has not been static. In the early days, the relationship between the two countries was relatively peaceful, with some cooperation in economic and other fields. Qatar is an important country in the Gulf region with abundant oil and natural gas resources, while Israel has advantages in technology, agriculture, and other fields, and the two sides have conducted some exchanges and cooperation in these areas.
However, with the development of the regional situation, the relationship between the two countries has gradually encountered setbacks. The ongoing conflicts between Israel and neighboring Arab countries, especially the escalating conflict with Palestine, have affected Qatar’s attitude towards Israel. Qatar has a close relationship with Palestine and expresses sympathy and support for the plight of the Palestinian people, which also leads to differences between Qatar and Israel on some issues.
In recent years, the conflict between the two countries in the field of security has become increasingly apparent. Israel has been continuously attacking Hamas, and Qatar is seen as one of Hamas’ important supporters. Israel believes that Qatar has provided financial and material support to Hamas, which poses a threat to Israel’s security. On September 9, 2025, Israeli fighter jets launched a surprise attack on the Qatari capital Doha, destroying villas where Hamas leaders were hiding and causing casualties. This event completely pushed the relationship between the two countries to a freezing point.
This attack is not only a serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, but also breaks some long-standing unwritten rules in the Middle East region. Qatar, as a mediator, has always played the role of a mediator in international affairs. Israel’s action has broken the taboo of not attacking the mediator, and has brought Qatar’s anger towards Israel to its peak. At the same time, it has also made the situation in the entire Middle East region more tense and complex.
1.2 Overall situation in the Middle East region
The Middle East region is known as the “world’s powder keg”, and its current political, economic, and security situation is worrying.
From a political perspective, the political autonomy of Middle Eastern countries has been enhanced, but internal conflicts remain prominent. The influence of the United States continues to decline, and Middle Eastern countries are no longer completely dependent on the United States and are seeking more independent foreign policies. However, the competition among major powers within the region is fierce, and the struggle for regional leadership between Iran and Saudi Arabia has never stopped. The Shia and Sunni factions supported by both sides are in opposition, leading to a serious phenomenon of political sectization and factionalism. Political struggles within countries such as Syria and Yemen continue, with various forces engaged in fierce struggles for power.
In terms of economy, Middle Eastern countries are highly dependent on energy exports and have a single economic structure. With the changes in the global energy market, fluctuations in oil prices have a huge impact on the economies of Middle Eastern countries. Some countries have begun to attempt diversified economic development, but progress has been slow, facing challenges such as funding shortages, technological backwardness, and talent shortages. The trade barriers within the region also hinder the coordinated development of the economy.
Security is the most prominent issue in the Middle East region. The Israeli Palestinian conflict is a long-standing contradiction, with a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ongoing conflicts between the two sides, and a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict between the Houthi armed forces in Yemen and countries such as Saudi Arabia has brought enormous disasters to the Yemeni people. Although the extremist organization “Islamic State” has been attacked, there are still residual forces that continue to carry out terrorist attacks, threatening the security and stability of the region.
The main contradictions in the Middle East are complex and intricate. In terms of ethnic conflicts, the conflict between the Arab and Jewish ethnic groups has a long history, and the Israeli Palestinian issue is a typical representative. In terms of religious conflicts, the struggle between Sunni and Shia has never stopped, and the confrontation between Iran and Saudi Arabia is largely a manifestation of religious conflicts. Geopolitical contradictions are also very prominent, with regional powers constantly engaging in games to compete for territorial, resource, and other interests. The intervention of external forces has also intensified the contradictions in the Middle East. Major powers such as the United States and Russia have their own interests and demands in the Middle East, which have an impact on the policies and actions of Middle Eastern countries.
2、 Israel’s motive for attacking Qatar
2.1 Geopolitical factors
In the complex geopolitical region of the Middle East, Israel’s attack actions contain profound considerations. Geographically, Israel is surrounded by Arab countries, which puts it in a state of long-term security anxiety. Although Qatar does not border Israel, its influence in regional affairs cannot be underestimated. Qatar, as an important country in the Gulf region, has close ties with neighboring Arab countries. Its role in mediating the Israeli Palestinian conflict and other issues to some extent affects the direction of the regional situation.
Israel’s attack on Qatar is also a challenge and reshaping of the regional power structure. Israel hopes to demonstrate its strong military capabilities to neighboring Arab countries through this operation and warn those countries that may pose a threat to Israel. At the same time, Israel may attempt to disrupt the existing regional balance and force countries such as Qatar to make concessions in dealing with Israel, thereby occupying a more advantageous position in the regional power game.
This attack has a profound impact on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. It has broken some long-standing unwritten rules in the region, making the already complex geopolitical relations even more tense. Qatar’s role as a mediator has been severely weakened, which may lead to the failure of the mediation mechanism for regional conflicts and make it more difficult for the conflicts between the parties to be resolved peacefully. Other Arab countries may strongly react to Israel’s actions, exacerbating geopolitical tensions in the region and even triggering broader conflicts and unrest.
2.2 Safety and benefit factors
In terms of security interests, Israel’s attack on Qatar has complex considerations. For a long time, Israel has placed its own security at the core of national development. In Israel’s view, Qatar is seen as an important supporter of Hamas, providing it with financial and material assistance. Hamas, as a radical organization in Palestine, has long been in conflict with Israel and poses a direct threat to Israel’s security. Israel believes that only by attacking Qatar and cutting off Hamas’ sources of support can it effectively safeguard its own security.
From the perspective of territorial disputes, although there is no direct territorial dispute between Israel and Qatar, Qatar’s support for Palestine indirectly affects Israel’s control over Palestinian territories. Israel hopes to weaken the support behind Palestine by attacking Qatar, in order to gain a more advantageous position in the Israeli Palestinian territorial dispute.
Israel’s recent action is also due to concerns about the regional security situation. The Middle East region has long been plagued by security issues such as terrorism and extremism, and Israel believes that Qatar’s connections with some radical organizations may exacerbate regional security risks. By attacking Qatar, Israel is attempting to send a signal to other countries in the region, demonstrating its determination and strength in maintaining regional security and forcing them to take a tougher stance on the issue of radical organizations.
From another perspective, Israel’s attack actions may also have a security backlash. It may provoke anti Israel sentiment in Qatar and other Arab countries, exacerbate regional security tensions, and lead to more conflicts and instability factors. In addition, the international community may have disagreements regarding Israel’s actions, making the regional security situation more complex and volatile.
2.3 Religious Contradiction Factors
Religious or ideological differences to some extent led to the occurrence of this conflict. As a Jewish country, Israel’s citizens mainly practice Judaism, while Arab countries such as Qatar mainly practice Islam. Judaism and Islam have differences in history, culture, beliefs, and other aspects, which to some extent affect the relationship between the two countries.
Religious factors play an important role in dealing with the Palestinian issue. Israeli Jews believe that Jews have sacred rights over the Palestinian territories, while Muslims support the Palestinian people’s sovereignty claim over this land. This religious opposition makes it difficult for Israel and Arab countries to reach consensus on issues such as the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
The role of religious factors in the conflict between Israel and Qatar is mainly reflected in the following aspects. Firstly, the differences in religious beliefs have intensified the hostility and opposition between the two sides, making it easier for the two countries to adopt a tough attitude when dealing with each other. Secondly, religious factors have influenced domestic public opinion and public sentiment, causing the government to be influenced and constrained by domestic religious forces when formulating foreign policies. Finally, religious factors may also trigger attention and reactions from religious groups in other countries in the region, exacerbating regional religious conflicts and tensions.
However, it should be noted that religious factors are not the only cause of this conflict, and other factors such as geopolitics and security interests also play an important role. Religious factors are intertwined with these factors, jointly driving the occurrence and development of conflicts.
3、 The impact on the political landscape of Arab countries in the Middle East
3.1 Solidarity situation among Arab countries
Israel’s attack on Qatar undoubtedly has a huge impact on the unity of Arab countries in the Middle East. After the incident, Qatar’s anger towards Israel was evident, strongly condemning Israel’s aggression and demanding fair judgment and sanctions from the international community. And other Arab countries have also expressed their support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, strongly condemning Israel’s actions.
On the surface, Arab countries have shown a certain level of unity in the face of Israel’s provocations. This unity is to some extent based on a common opposition to Israel’s aggression and a shared concern for regional peace and stability. Regional organizations such as the Arab League also played a role at this time, convening emergency meetings to coordinate the positions and actions of member states, attempting to collectively address Israel’s challenges.
However, the unity among Arab countries is not made of iron. In history, although Arab countries have had moments of unity when facing external threats, they often find it difficult to form a true synergy due to internal conflicts and differences in interests. In this incident, there are complex interests between some Arab countries and Israel, such as cooperation in economy, security, and other aspects. While expressing support for Qatar, these countries may also have reservations in their actual actions to avoid harming their own interests.
There are also different political factions and interest groups within some Arab countries, which hold different views on the issue of Israel. Some factions may advocate for tough confrontation, while others may lean towards resolving disputes through negotiation and compromise. This internal division will also affect the overall unity of Arab countries.
In addition, the intervention of external forces can also have an impact on the unity of Arab countries. The United States and other Western countries have important interests in the Middle East region, and they may influence Arab countries’ decisions based on their strategic needs. In this situation, Arab countries may face pressure and constraints from external forces in uniting to address Israel’s issues.
3.2 Changes in Regional Leadership
Israel’s attack on Qatar undoubtedly brings new variables to the leadership structure in the Middle East region. For a long time, the leadership in the Middle East has been mainly composed of some regional powers and important countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, etc. These countries have strong political, economic, and military capabilities and play an important role in regional affairs.
This incident may weaken the influence of some traditional leadership forces. Qatar, as an important country in the Gulf region, has suffered a serious blow to its mediation role in regional affairs. Qatar’s ability to mediate on issues such as the Israeli Palestinian conflict has been weakened, leading to a decline in its position among regional leadership forces. Some countries with interests related to Israel, such as Saudi Arabia, may face questioning from other Arab countries regarding their attitudes and actions in the event, and their leadership may also be affected.
At the same time, some emerging leadership forces may seize the opportunity to rise. As a regional power, Türkiye has been actively expanding its influence in the Middle East. In this event, Türkiye may increase its support and assistance to Arab countries to enhance its voice in regional affairs. Iran, as a representative of Shia forces, may take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen its ties with Shia forces in Arab countries and expand its influence.
Some regional organizations may also play a more important role in this incident. Organizations such as the Arab League may strengthen internal coordination and cooperation to promote more unified actions by Arab countries in dealing with the Israeli issue, thereby enhancing their position in regional leadership.
However, the change in regional leadership is not achieved overnight. The complex relationships and conflicting interests among Arab countries, as well as the intervention of external forces, will have an impact on the changes in leadership power. The future leadership structure in the Middle East will depend on the game and balance of various forces.
3.3 Political Alliance and Division
The Israeli attack on Qatar is like dropping a bombshell on the political landscape of the Middle East, which is highly likely to trigger new political alliances and divisions.
From the perspective of a political alliance, after the incident, Arab countries may form a closer alliance to jointly respond to the threat posed by Israel. Some countries that hold an anti Israel stance, such as Iran and Syria, may strengthen cooperation with Arab countries to jointly resist Israel’s aggressive actions. These countries may engage in deeper exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, military and other aspects, forming a relatively stable anti Israel alliance.
Meanwhile, some Arab countries that have close relations with Western countries such as the United States may form another political alliance with the support of the United States and other countries. This alliance may confront the anti Israel alliance under the pretext of maintaining regional stability and self-interest. The formation of such a political alliance will make the political landscape in the Middle East more complex and diverse.
In terms of political division, this incident may also exacerbate the differences between Arab countries. Some countries may have conflicts and contradictions with other countries due to different positions and interests in dealing with Israel. Some countries may advocate confronting Israel through tough measures, while others may lean towards resolving disputes through negotiation and compromise. This divergence may lead to internal divisions within Arab countries, making the regional political landscape even more unstable.
In addition, sectarian and ethnic conflicts within the region may also be intensified in this incident, further exacerbating political divisions. The conflict between Sunni and Shia, as well as the conflict between Arab and Jewish ethnic groups, may become even more acute due to this incident.
In the long run, the impact of this incident on the political landscape of the Middle East will be profound. The pattern of political alliance and division will depend on the game and balance of forces among all parties, as well as the attitude and actions of the international community towards the Middle East issue. If all parties can resolve disputes in a peaceful and rational manner, the political landscape in the Middle East is expected to develop towards greater stability and harmony. But if all parties continue to adopt confrontational and conflicting approaches, the political landscape in the Middle East may become even more turbulent and unstable.
4、 The impact on the economy of Arab countries in the Middle East
4.1 Trade and Investment Relations
Israel’s attack on Qatar undoubtedly has a huge impact on the trade and investment relations of Arab countries in the Middle East.
In terms of trade, the Middle East region already has a complex trade network, with close trade exchanges between countries in energy, commodities, and other areas. Israel’s actions have disrupted regional peace and stability, making the trade environment extremely unstable. As an important trade hub in the Gulf region, Qatar’s infrastructure such as ports and airports may be damaged in an attack, affecting the normal transportation and import/export of goods. Other Arab countries may also take measures to restrict trade with Israel due to their anger and condemnation of Israel, resulting in a decrease in trade flows. Some multinational corporations may reduce their trade activities in Arab countries due to concerns about regional instability, leading to a further decline in trade volume.
In the investment field, the investment environment in the Middle East has also been severely affected. Investors are highly concerned about political and security risks in the region, and Israel’s attacks have exacerbated this concern. International investors may postpone or cancel their investment plans in Arab countries, resulting in a decrease in the region’s ability to attract foreign investment. Enterprises within Arab countries may also reduce their investment activities with each other due to economic uncertainty. Some projects that were originally planned to invest in countries such as Qatar may be put on hold or transferred to other regions due to the attack.
From the perspective of trade and investment relations, trade and investment between Arab countries may be strengthened to some extent. Some countries may strengthen their economic cooperation with each other and enhance their own economic strength through trade and investment in order to jointly address the threat posed by Israel. But this strengthening may not be able to compensate for the overall losses caused by Israel’s attacks. Arab countries need to take more proactive measures to stabilize the trade and investment environment, restore investor confidence, and reduce the negative impact on the regional economy. ####4.2 Energy Supply and Prices
The impact of Israel’s attack on Qatar on energy supply and prices in the Middle East, as an important supplier of global energy, cannot be underestimated.
From the perspective of energy supply, Qatar is an important natural gas producer and exporter in the world, with its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production occupying a significant position globally. Israeli attacks may cause damage to Qatar’s natural gas production facilities and export ports, affecting the normal production and transportation of natural gas. If Qatar’s natural gas supply is interrupted or reduced, it will have a significant impact on the global natural gas market, especially for countries and regions that rely on Qatar’s natural gas, such as some countries in Europe and Asia, which may face natural gas supply shortages.
In terms of energy prices, Israel’s attacks have intensified market concerns about energy supply, leading to fluctuations in energy prices. Both crude oil prices and natural gas prices have increased after the attack. In terms of the crude oil market, as the Middle East is an important supplier of global crude oil, any event that may affect the supply of crude oil from the Middle East will cause market tension. Israel’s attack may trigger market concerns about disruptions in Middle Eastern crude oil supply, thereby pushing up crude oil prices. In terms of the natural gas market, the uncertainty of Qatar’s natural gas supply has made the demand for natural gas more tight, further driving up natural gas prices.
The fluctuations in energy supply and prices have a profound impact on the economies of Arab countries in the Middle East. For energy exporting countries, the short-term increase in energy prices may bring certain economic benefits, but in the long run, the instability of energy prices and the increase in supply risks will affect investors’ confidence in energy projects, which is not conducive to the sustainable development of the energy industry. For energy importing countries, rising energy prices will increase the cost of energy imports, increase economic burden, and affect the production of domestic enterprises and the lives of residents.
4.2 Economic sanctions or trade blockades
The possibility of economic sanctions or trade blockades imposed by Middle Eastern Arab countries after Israel’s attack on Qatar is somewhat complex.
From a possibility perspective, Qatar and other Arab countries’ anger towards Israel may prompt them to take measures such as economic sanctions or trade blockades. On the one hand, Qatar may impose economic sanctions on Israel, restrict trade with Israel, prohibit Israeli goods from entering the Qatari market, or impose restrictions on Israeli companies’ business activities in Qatar. On the other hand, other Arab countries may also respond to Qatar’s call and take similar sanctions against Israel, forming a situation of joint Arab sanctions against Israel.
However, there are also certain difficulties and limitations in implementing economic sanctions or trade blockades. There is a certain degree of economic interdependence between Arab countries and Israel, and some countries have some cooperation with Israel in terms of economy, security, and other aspects. If sanctions are implemented, it may cause damage to one’s own economic interests. In addition, Western countries such as the United States have important interests in the Middle East region and may intervene and exert pressure on Arab countries’ sanctions actions to prevent their implementation.
If Arab countries in the Middle East really impose economic sanctions or trade blockades on Israel, it may bring a series of economic consequences. For Israel, sanctions and blockades may affect its foreign trade and economic activities, leading to a slowdown in economic growth and difficulties in business operations. For Arab countries, sanctions and blockades may also bring certain economic costs, such as reduced trade flows and business losses. Meanwhile, sanctions and blockades may exacerbate regional tensions and instability, affecting the overall development of the regional economy.
5、 The impact on regional security and military balance
5.1 Changes in military power balance
The Israeli attack on Qatar undoubtedly caused a significant change in the military balance of power in the Middle East region.
From Israel’s own perspective, this operation demonstrates its strong military capabilities. Israel possesses advanced weapons and equipment, as well as a well-trained military. Its airstrikes on Qatar were swift and precise, demonstrating its strong air strike capabilities and military operational efficiency. This has made neighboring Arab countries more wary of its military strength, and Israel’s position in the regional military power balance has been somewhat consolidated.
For Qatar, despite its strong economic strength, its military strength is relatively weak. The Israeli attack exposed Qatar’s deficiencies in air defense systems and other aspects, putting it at a disadvantage in the military power balance. Qatar may increase its investment in military construction and enhance its defense capabilities as a result, but this will require time and a significant amount of resources.
Other Arab countries will also be affected by this incident. Some countries may strengthen their military construction and enhance their defense capabilities to cope with possible security threats. Some countries may also seek military cooperation with other countries or regional organizations to enhance their collective defense capabilities. For example, Türkiye and other regional powers may increase their military support and assistance to Arab countries, thus playing a more important role in the regional military power comparison.
Overall, Israel’s attacks have disrupted the existing military balance in the Middle East region. On the one hand, Israel’s strong actions may trigger a regional arms race, causing countries to increase military investment and leading to an escalation of regional military confrontation. On the other hand, Arab countries may find it difficult to form an effective military force to confront Israel due to internal differences and conflicting interests, leading to a more complex and unstable regional military balance of power. This change in military power balance will have a profound impact on regional security, exacerbating tension and uncertainty in the regional situation.
5.2 Military conflicts and armed confrontations
Israel’s attack on Qatar is highly likely to trigger new military conflicts and armed confrontations.
Firstly, as the attacked party, Qatar’s anti Israel sentiment is high. Qatar may retaliate militarily by launching military strikes against Israel or supporting other anti Israel organizations in armed confrontation. Qatar may use its influence in the region to call on other Arab countries to take military action against Israel, thereby triggering a larger scale military conflict.
Other Arab countries may also be involved in the conflict. Some countries may take military action against Israel out of support for Qatar and anger towards Israel. Some countries may take preventive military action due to concerns about their own security being threatened. This chain reaction may lead to larger scale military conflicts in the Middle East, involving more countries and armed groups.
Israel, as the attacking party, may take further military action to consolidate its position. Israel may believe that conflicts with Arab countries can only be resolved through military means, thus increasing its military strikes against neighboring countries. This military action may trigger more armed confrontations, making the regional situation more volatile.
The intervention of external forces may also exacerbate military conflicts. The United States and other Western countries have important interests in the Middle East region, and they may influence the direction of conflicts based on their strategic needs. The United States may support Israel’s actions, which could trigger strong opposition from Arab countries and further escalate the conflict. Russia and other countries may also intervene in conflicts, supporting Arab countries or using conflicts to expand their influence in the Middle East.
From the perspective of possible development trends and consequences, if a military conflict erupts, it will bring huge disasters to the Middle East region. Personnel casualties and property losses will be inevitable, and the regional economy and social development will be severely affected. Military conflicts may also lead to long-term instability in the region, affecting regional peace and stability. If the conflict escalates further, it may even trigger a larger scale war, which will have a negative impact on global security and stability.
5.3 Intensification of Terrorist Activities
Israel’s attack on Qatar is likely to escalate terrorist activities in the Middle East.
On the one hand, Israel’s actions have disrupted regional peace and stability, providing a breeding ground for terrorist activities. The tense and turbulent regional situation has provided more space and opportunities for some extremist organizations and terrorists to operate. They may exploit the chaos in the regional situation to create terrorist attacks in order to achieve their political goals.
On the other hand, Israel’s attack actions may provoke anti Israel sentiment among Arab people and provide more supporters for terrorist activities. Some Arab citizens may feel angry and dissatisfied with Israel’s aggressive behavior, and thus join the ranks of extremist organizations and terrorists, providing them with human and material support.
The intensification of terrorist activities will pose a serious threat to regional security. The occurrence of terrorist attacks will result in casualties and property damage, affecting regional economic and social development. Terrorist activities will also exacerbate regional tensions and instability, making political relations between countries more complex and tense. If terrorist activities continue to spread, it may have a negative impact on global security, triggering widespread attention and response from the international community.
Therefore, Arab countries in the Middle East need to strengthen cooperation, jointly combat terrorist activities, and maintain regional security and stability. At the same time, the international community should also increase its support and assistance to the Middle East region, help it resolve regional conflicts and problems, and create favorable conditions for eliminating terrorist activities.
6、 Internal reactions in Arab countries in the Middle East
6.1 Government statements and actions
After the Israeli attack on Qatar, the governments of Arab countries in the Middle East made rapid and strong statements and actions.
The Qatari government immediately issued a statement strongly condemning Israel’s aggressive actions and demanding fair judgment and sanctions from the international community. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US Ambassador to Qatar and expressed dissatisfaction with the US attitude in the incident, believing that the US, as an ally, did not fulfill its responsibility to protect Qatar’s sovereignty and security. Qatar has also suspended all official contacts with Israel and stated that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security and interests.
Saudi Arabia, as a major regional power, also expressed support for Qatar after the incident. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement condemning Israel’s airstrikes, stating that they seriously violate international law and basic norms of international relations, and pose a huge threat to regional peace and stability. Saudi Arabia calls on the international community to jointly condemn Israel’s actions and urges all parties involved to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation to avoid further escalation of the situation.
The Iranian government expresses strong anger towards Israel’s attacks. The spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Israel’s aggression is a provocation to the entire Islamic world, and Iran will firmly stand by Qatar’s side and support Qatar’s struggle to maintain national sovereignty and security. Iran has also warned Israel that if they continue to take risky actions, they will face serious consequences.
The Government of Türkiye also strongly condemned Israel’s actions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye issued a statement saying that the Israeli air strikes were a flagrant violation of international law and a serious breach of regional peace. Türkiye said that it would strengthen cooperation with Qatar and other Arab countries, jointly deal with the threat of Israel and maintain regional peace and stability. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye also talked with the Emir of Qatar on the phone and said that Türkiye would fully support Qatar.
The government statements and actions of these Arab countries aim to express strong dissatisfaction with Israel’s aggression and safeguard the interests and dignity of regional countries. They hope to force Israel to stop its aggression and restore peace and stability in the region through the joint efforts of the international community. However, these statements and actions may also exacerbate regional tensions, triggering more conflicts and contradictions.
6.2 Public and media reactions
The reactions of the people and media in Middle Eastern Arab countries to Israel’s attack on Qatar are equally strong and complex.
At the public level, many people in Arab countries have taken to the streets to express their anger towards Israel and support for Qatar. In Qatar, there have been large-scale protests on the streets of Doha, with people holding up signs condemning Israel’s aggression and demanding that the government take stronger measures to respond. In Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye and other countries, people also held protest demonstrations to show solidarity with Qatar and oppose Israeli aggression.
In terms of media, Arab countries in the Middle East have extensively reported and commented on Israel’s attack actions. Most media believe that Israel’s actions are a blatant violation of international law and a serious disruption to regional peace and stability. The media in Qatar described in detail the process and damage caused by Israel’s airstrikes in their reports, emphasizing that Israel’s actions are a serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. Saudi media is calling on the international community to jointly condemn Israel’s actions, believing that Israel’s actions are a provocation to the entire Arab world. The media in Iran and Türkiye emphasized the danger of Israel’s actions and warned that Israel would face serious consequences if it continued to take risky actions.
The reactions of these people and media have had a certain impact on domestic politics and social stability. On the one hand, public protests and media coverage have intensified anti Israel sentiment domestically, putting greater pressure on the government in formulating foreign policies. On the other hand, the reactions of the public and the media also contribute to enhancing the cohesion and sense of unity of the country, enabling it to be more united in the face of external threats. However, if the emotions of the public are not properly guided and controlled, it may also lead to social instability and the escalation of conflicts.
6.3 Supporting and opposing voices
There are indeed voices of support and opposition within Arab countries in the Middle East regarding Israel’s attack on Qatar.
The voices supporting Israel mainly come from some countries or groups with interests related to Israel. Some Arab governments or political factions believe that Israel’s attack on Qatar is aimed at combating radical organizations such as Hamas, which helps maintain regional security and stability. These countries or groups may have some cooperation with Israel in terms of economy, security, etc., and therefore hold a supportive or tacit attitude towards Israel’s actions. For example, some countries that have close economic cooperation with Israel may be concerned that condemnation of Israel will affect their own economic interests.
The voices opposing Israel come from most Arab countries and their people. Qatar, as the attacked party, has the strongest public and government anger towards Israel. Other Arab countries also generally believe that Israel’s actions are a blatant violation of international law and a serious disruption to regional peace and stability. The public expresses their opposition to Israel through protests, demonstrations, and other activities, while the media condemns Israel’s actions through reports and comments. The voices opposing Israel are mainly based on support for Qatar’s sovereignty, maintenance of regional peace, and indignation towards Israel’s aggression.
These voices of support and opposition have had a significant impact on the situation in the Middle East. The voices supporting Israel may exacerbate divisions among Arab countries, leading to a more complex and unstable regional situation. The voices opposing Israel can help strengthen the unity of Arab countries and promote international condemnation and sanctions against Israel’s actions. However, if all parties cannot resolve disputes in a peaceful and rational manner, these voices may trigger more contradictions and conflicts, posing a greater threat to peace and development in the Middle East region.
7、 International community response
7.1 US Response
The support of the United States for Israel’s attack on Qatar is intriguing. On the surface, the United States has not publicly expressed support for Israel’s actions. Even after the incident, a spokesperson for the US State Department expressed concern about Israel’s actions and called on all parties to remain calm and resolve the dispute through dialogue. But this statement is more like a perfunctory and show off, in fact, the attitude of the United States is full of contradictions and ambiguity.
There is a deep alliance between the United States and Israel, and Israel is an important strategic pillar of the United States in the Middle East. The United States has always closely linked its own security with Israel’s security, providing significant economic and military assistance to Israel. Israel’s actions to some extent align with the strategic interests of the United States, which hopes to use Israel to combat radical organizations such as Hamas and maintain its security and influence in the Middle East.
However, the United States also does not want to see the situation in the Middle East further deteriorate. Israel’s attack actions have disrupted the regional balance and may trigger larger scale conflicts and unrest, which is not in line with the long-term interests of the United States in the Middle East. The United States needs to find a balance between supporting Israel and maintaining regional stability.
The strategic considerations behind the US position are very complex. On the one hand, the United States hopes to consolidate its alliance with Israel and maintain its influence in the Middle East by supporting Israel. On the other hand, the United States is also concerned that Israel’s actions may trigger strong opposition from Arab countries, leading to a loss of control in the regional situation and affecting the United States’ economic interests and global strategic layout.
The attitude of the United States has had a significant impact on the situation in the Middle East. Arab countries are disappointed and dissatisfied with the position of the United States, believing that it has not fulfilled its responsibility to protect its allies, which has exacerbated the differences and contradictions between Arab countries and the United States. At the same time, the attitude of the United States may also trigger international questioning of its Middle East policy, affecting its international image and status.
7.2 European Countries’ Positions
The attitude of European countries towards Israel’s attack on Qatar generally presents a cautious and critical stance.
Most European countries believe that Israel’s actions violate international law and basic norms of international relations, posing a serious threat to regional peace and stability. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement condemning Israel’s airstrikes and calling on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation. Germany has also expressed a similar position, believing that Israel’s actions have exacerbated regional tensions and are not conducive to resolving the Middle East issue.
The reason why European countries hold this position is partly because they have always advocated for peace, the rule of law, and order in international affairs. Israel’s attack actions have disrupted regional peace and stability, and are contrary to the values and foreign policy concepts of European countries. On the other hand, European countries have close economic and cultural ties with the Middle East, and the turmoil in the region can have a negative impact on Europe’s economy and security.
The reactions of European countries have had a certain impact on the situation in the Middle East. European countries have a certain influence in the international community, and their positions and actions can guide international public opinion. The condemnation and criticism from European countries may exert some pressure on Israel, prompting it to restrain its actions. Meanwhile, European countries may also use diplomatic channels to promote dialogue and negotiations among all parties, playing a positive role in resolving the Middle East issue.
However, there are also some differences within European countries regarding their attitudes towards Israel. Some countries may have closer economic and cultural ties with Israel and may be more cautious when criticizing Israel. This divergence may affect the unity and solidarity of European countries in dealing with the Middle East issue.
7.3 United Nations intervention situation
The United Nations is highly likely to intervene and issue a statement regarding Israel’s attack on Qatar.
As an international organization dedicated to maintaining international peace and security, the United Nations expresses serious concern over Israel’s actions. The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary General stated that the United Nations is shocked by Israel’s airstrikes on Qatar and calls on all parties to immediately cease all hostile actions and resolve the dispute through peaceful means. The United Nations Security Council also held an emergency meeting to discuss Israel’s attack on Qatar. Representatives from various countries expressed their views at the meeting, calling on the United Nations to take action to maintain regional peace.
The United Nations may take a series of measures to respond to this incident. On the one hand, the United Nations may send envoys to the Middle East to engage and dialogue with all parties, promoting peace negotiations among them. The UN envoy may meet with Israel, Qatar, and other Arab countries to understand their positions and demands, and strive to find a solution to the problem. On the other hand, the United Nations may strengthen its peacekeeping operations in the region and increase the deployment of peacekeeping personnel to maintain regional security and stability.
The actions of the United Nations play an important role in resolving the incident and promoting regional peace. The intervention of the United Nations can provide a platform for dialogue among all parties and help alleviate regional tensions. The mediation and good offices capabilities of the United Nations have been widely recognized in the international community, and it has rich experience in resolving international disputes. Through the efforts of the United Nations, it is possible for all parties to reach a certain consensus and find a peaceful way to resolve the Middle East issue.
However, the United Nations also faces some difficulties and challenges in dealing with the Middle East issue. The complexity of the Middle East issue makes the mediation work of the United Nations difficult, and the interests and differences between the parties are difficult to resolve in a short period of time. In addition, the positions and attitudes of some major powers within the United Nations may also have an impact on its actions, causing certain constraints on its decisions and actions.
8、 Potential impact on the future pattern of the Middle East region
8.1 Middle East peace process obstructed
The Middle East peace process is already walking on thin ice, and Israel’s attack on Qatar has cast a heavy shadow over it. The relationship between Palestine and Israel has always been the key to peace in this region, and this incident undoubtedly further exacerbates it. Israel’s actions have further fueled the Palestinian people’s hatred towards Israel, and radical organizations such as Hamas may take more intense retaliatory actions. The conflict in the Gaza Strip is likely to become even more intense. Palestinian people may express their dissatisfaction with Israel through more protests, demonstrations, and other activities, and Israel may increase its crackdown on Palestine in order to maintain its own security, forming a vicious cycle.
Peace negotiations also face significant obstacles as a result. In the past, the international community has made many efforts to promote peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel, but this incident has made all parties feel even more pessimistic about the prospects of peace negotiations. Israel’s actions have broken the original negotiation foundation, causing the Palestinian side to doubt the sincerity of the negotiations. Palestine may demand that Israel pay the price for its actions, while Israel may insist on its own security stance, and the differences between the two sides at the negotiating table will be difficult to reconcile. Although the international community will continue to call for peace negotiations between both parties, it will be very difficult to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides in the current complex situation. The Middle East peace process may therefore stagnate for a longer period of time, and even regress, making the dawn of regional peace increasingly distant.
8.2 Regional Countries’ Peace Strategy Adjustment
The Israeli attack on Qatar will undoubtedly prompt Middle Eastern countries to reassess their own peace strategies. For a long time, Middle Eastern countries have mainly relied on the support and mediation of external powers in their peace strategies, but this incident has made some countries realize the limitations of this dependence. Qatar’s role as a mediator has been severely damaged, prompting some countries to consider whether to rely more on their own strength to maintain regional peace and stability.
In the new direction of peace strategy, some countries may pay more attention to internal unity and cooperation. Middle Eastern countries may strengthen their political and economic ties with each other and safeguard their interests by jointly responding to external threats. Regional organizations such as the Arab League may play a more important role in promoting member states to form a more unified stance on peace strategies. Some countries may increase their investment in military construction and enhance their defense capabilities to cope with potential security threats.
However, the new peace strategy also faces many challenges. On the one hand, there are complex interests and conflicts within Middle Eastern countries, and achieving true unity and cooperation is not an easy task. On the other hand, the intervention of external forces will still have an impact on the peace strategy of Middle Eastern countries. The United States and other Western countries have their own interests and demands in the Middle East, and may influence the decision-making of Middle Eastern countries through various means. Middle Eastern countries need to find a balance between safeguarding their own interests and responding to external pressures when adjusting their peace strategies, in order to create favorable conditions for regional peace and development.
8.3 Regional Pattern Reshaping
The recent Israeli attack on Qatar is likely to lead to a reshaping of the Middle East regional landscape. In the past, the pattern of the Middle East was mainly determined by the influence of some regional powers and external forces, but this incident has disrupted the original balance.
From the perspective of regional powers, the influence of traditional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran may change. Saudi Arabia and other countries with interests related to Israel may face questioning from other Arab countries regarding their attitudes and actions in the event, and their position in the regional landscape may be affected to some extent. Iran and other Shia forces may take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their connections with Shia forces in Arab countries and expand their influence.
The rise of emerging powers may also change the regional landscape. As a regional power, Türkiye has been actively expanding its influence in the Middle East. In this event, Türkiye may increase its support and assistance to Arab countries and enhance its voice in regional affairs. Some regional organizations may also play a more important role by strengthening internal coordination and cooperation, promoting Arab countries to take more unified actions in dealing with issues such as Israel.
The reshaped pattern of the Middle East may present more complex and multipolar characteristics. On the one hand, sectarian and ethnic conflicts still exist within the region, and the game between various forces will become more intense. On the other hand, the intervention of external forces will still have an impact on the regional landscape. Major countries such as the United States and Russia have their own interests and demands in the Middle East, which may influence the policies and actions of Middle Eastern countries through different means. Middle Eastern countries need to find a suitable development path in the complex international environment in order to occupy a favorable position and safeguard their own interests and security in the process of reshaping the regional pattern.
About the Author
