Egypt engages regional partners ahead of emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha

Egypt is conducting intensive diplomatic contacts with Arab, Islamic, and regional partners ahead of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Monday, which will address the recent Israeli attack in the Qatari capital.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held discussions with his counterparts Faisal bin Farhan of Saudi Arabia, Hakan Fidan of Türkiye, and Ishaq Dar of Pakistan.

The ministry said the talks were held “in light of rapidly evolving regional developments and as part of joint coordination with regional states ahead of the emergency summit.”

Officials exchanged views on “ways to address serious political and security challenges facing the region and the repercussions of recent events.” They also stressed the importance of continued political, diplomatic, and economic coordination to strengthen security and stability across Arab and Islamic countries.

The ministry highlighted calls for “solidarity among Arab and Islamic nations at this critical juncture” and the need to coordinate positions to protect regional interests and ensure security.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari confirmed that Doha will host the summit, which will discuss a draft resolution on Israel’s attack on Qatar.

The Israeli strike on Tuesday (9 September) targeted Hamas leadership in Doha, killing a Qatari internal security officer and five Hamas officials. Hamas confirmed that its negotiating delegation, including its leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, survived, while three aides and Jihad Labad, head of Hayya’s office, were killed.

The attack occurred during talks on a U.S. proposed deal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza, which has claimed more than 64,800 Palestinian lives since October 2023.

Hitting back at global condemnation of the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has kept up pressure on Qatar over the presence of Hamas leaders on its soil, warning Doha on Wednesday to either expel Hamas officials or "bring them to justice, because if you don't, we will".

Netanyahu said on Saturday that getting rid of Hamas leaders living in Qatar would remove the main obstacle to releasing hostages still held by the group in Gaza and ending the war.

Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza conflict, has accused Israel of sabotaging chances for peace and Netanyahu of practicing "state terrorism". A member of Qatar's internal security forces was among those killed.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Sunday that Israel's actions would not stop Doha's mediation efforts with Egypt and the United States.

Egypt and Qatar, together with the U.S. continue to act as key mediators in efforts to resolve the conflict.

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