Webdesk — On Saturday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states announced a series of significant security decisions aimed at reinforcing the region’s collective defense. This move comes in response to a deadly Israeli airstrike in Doha that killed five people, including the son of a Hamas leader and a Qatari security officer.
According to The National, an UAE-based newspaper, the decisions were finalized during an emergency Arab-Islamic summit convened to address rising tensions in the Middle East. The summit expressed grave concern over ongoing Israeli attacks in the region.
Key Measures Discussed
During the meeting, held in Doha, senior GCC officials focused on enhancing military intelligence cooperation and creating a unified defense framework for the region. The GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, agreed on several strategic initiatives:
- Expansion of Intelligence Sharing: The member states will share military intelligence to better monitor and respond to security threats.
- Regional Early-Warning Missile Detection System: A system will be developed to detect missile threats in real-time across the Gulf region.
- Joint Military Drills: The GCC countries will conduct joint military exercises to strengthen their coordination and readiness.
In addition, within three months, the member states will hold combined command-center exercises, which will be followed by air defense simulations to practice coordinated defense tactics.
Commitment to Security and Stability
The joint statement issued by the GCC emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation to counter regional threats, with a focus on ensuring the safety and stability of all member nations. The statement underscored that creating a more integrated and resilient Gulf security structure remains a top priority.
The Israeli Attack on Doha
The defense measures were announced in response to an unprecedented Israeli strike on Doha, which targeted a Hamas delegation. Although Hamas confirmed that its senior leadership survived the attack, the strike highlighted the increasing security risks in the Gulf. Qatar expressed that it had received no prior warning of the assault, further intensifying concerns about the region’s vulnerability.
A Show of Unity
The summit was attended by defense ministers from all six GCC countries, as well as high-ranking officials from the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. This united front is seen as a critical step in the GCC’s efforts to build a joint regional defense shield in response to escalating security threats. Analysts believe this move signifies a decisive push toward stronger regional cooperation in defense matters.
These new measures mark a significant step toward creating a unified defense framework, signaling the GCC’s determination to bolster security in the face of growing regional instability.