GCC Responds to Israeli Strike: A Call for Enhanced Regional Security
In a significant development, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened an emergency session in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday to address urgent security measures following a recent Israeli airstrike on a Hamas office in the Qatari capital. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, has raised alarms across the region, prompting GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi to declare that any aggression against Qatar is tantamount to an attack on all member states.
GCC’s Unified Stance
During the emergency meeting, AlBudaiwi emphasized the need for a collective response, stating that the incident underscores the importance of solidarity among GCC nations. The council agreed to activate joint defense mechanisms, enhance intelligence sharing, and coordinate aerial positions. Additionally, plans for an early-warning system against ballistic missiles and joint military exercises, including a regional air force drill, were discussed.
This incident marks Qatar as the seventh country targeted by Israeli airstrikes in 2023, highlighting a troubling trend of escalating military actions in the region. The GCC’s swift response reflects a growing concern over regional stability and security.
The GCC: A Brief Overview
Established in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council is a political and economic alliance comprising six Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The GCC was formed to foster cooperation on security, economic, and political matters, often coordinating positions on regional and international issues.
In 2023, the GCC collectively allocated approximately $114.5 billion for military expenditures. Saudi Arabia led the way with a budget of at least $69 billion, making it the seventh-largest military spender globally. The UAE followed with $20.7 billion, while Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain contributed $9.02 billion, $7.77 billion, $6.5 billion, and $1.4 billion, respectively, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
U.S. Military Presence in the Region
The United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Middle East for decades, operating a network of bases across at least 19 locations. Eight of these are permanent bases situated in five GCC countries-Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE-as well as in Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, established in 1996, is the largest U.S. military installation in the region. Covering 24 hectares, it accommodates nearly 100 aircraft and serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This base has been pivotal in operations across Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
In light of the recent Israeli attacks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Qatar, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two nations. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, reiterated the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and preventing future attacks.
Regional Defense Agreements
In a related development, Saudi Arabia recently signed a “strategic mutual defense agreement” with Pakistan, which asserts that any aggression against either nation will be viewed as an act of aggression against both. This pact comes on the heels of a gathering of nearly 60 member states of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Doha, demonstrating regional solidarity with Qatar following the Israeli strike.
Air Defense Capabilities in the Gulf
The GCC countries have developed layered air defense networks that incorporate systems from the U.S., Europe, Russia, and China. These networks include long-range interceptors, medium-range systems, and short-range defenses, designed to protect against a variety of aerial threats.
Saudi Arabia boasts the most extensive air defense network in the Gulf, featuring U.S.-made THAAD systems and long-range Patriot PAC-3 batteries. Its arsenal also includes medium-range I-Hawk missiles and short-range systems from various countries, including France and Sweden.
The UAE operates similar systems, including U.S.-made THAAD and long-range Patriot systems, alongside the Israeli-made Barak air defense system. Qatar has invested in U.S. Patriot systems and NASAMS III for long- and medium-range defense, while Kuwait and Bahrain have also acquired advanced air defense capabilities.
Oman, however, lags behind its GCC counterparts in terms of advanced long- and medium-range missile systems, relying primarily on short-range defenses.
Conclusion
The recent Israeli airstrike on a Hamas office in Qatar has triggered a significant response from the Gulf Cooperation Council, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced regional security measures. As tensions escalate, the GCC’s commitment to collective defense and military preparedness will be crucial in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The evolving dynamics, including U.S. military presence and new defense agreements, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of security in the region.
