Abu Dhabi — The United Arab Emirates has voiced deep concern over the recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar, with senior diplomat Dr. Anwar Gargash stating that the incident has “fundamentally altered the Gulf’s perception of regional security.” 

His remarks came during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, convened to address the escalating tensions following the unprecedented attack.

Gargash, who serves as Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty and a dangerous escalation in the region.” 

He emphasized that the Gulf states now face a new reality in which traditional security assumptions are being challenged.

“This aggression has forced us to reevaluate the frameworks that have long governed Gulf security,” Gargash said. “The Israeli strike in Doha is not just a breach of international law—it is a turning point that compels us to rethink our strategic posture.”

The Israeli military confirmed the September 9 strike in downtown Doha, claiming it targeted senior Hamas negotiators. The attack reportedly killed six individuals, including Hamas members and a Qatari security officer.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across the Arab world and prompted urgent diplomatic consultations. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, including the UAE, have expressed solidarity with Qatar and called for restraint and accountability.

Analysts say the strike has exposed vulnerabilities in the Gulf’s security architecture, particularly regarding the reliability of external defense guarantees. The UAE’s statement reflects growing unease over the region’s exposure to cross-border military actions and the need for enhanced regional coordination and deterrence mechanisms.

The United States has reportedly moved to reassure its Gulf allies, with President Trump signing an executive order reaffirming Qatar’s security commitments. However, Gulf officials remain wary of the long-term implications.

Gargash’s remarks underscore a broader shift in Gulf strategic thinking, as regional powers grapple with the fallout of the Israel-Gaza conflict and its ripple effects across the Middle East.