Dr. Hamad Kasasbeh

Political statements alone are no longer enough in light of current transformations. Arabs today face a critical test: either turn their economic power into a real tool of pressure, or remain confined to rhetoric that has lost its effect. The final statement of the Arab–Islamic summit in Doha sought to lay the groundwork for such a shift, carrying within it signals of economic measures that could change the equation if implemented seriously and with united will.

One of the key points of the statement was the call to support the reconstruction of Gaza, a humanitarian step that also carries political weight. But success requires transforming this call into a sustainable financing mechanism, ensuring ongoing support beyond temporary pledges. The statement also expressed solidarity with Qatar and hinted at reconsidering economic ties with Israel, opening the door to practical options that could become real pressure cards if pursued within a unified Arab vision.

The Arabs possess vast economic capabilities that place them in a position of strength if united. Gulf states dominate a significant share of global energy markets, while maritime routes such as the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab, and the Strait of Hormuz represent lifelines of international trade. Sovereign wealth funds manage hundreds of billions in U.S. and European markets. If these tools are tied to a clear political stance, they can reshape both regional and global balances.

This dimension gains further weight following the recent UN General Assembly vote in favor of declaring a two-state solution, alongside preparations for a meeting on September 22 to follow up on this path. Yet the major obstacle remains the U.S. veto in the Security Council, which makes the Arab economic card a decisive instrument to raise the cost of any attempt to block international will.

The statement also emphasized the issue of Jerusalem and the Hashemite custodianship of its holy sites, considering it a shared Arab and Islamic responsibility. Israeli violations in the city threaten not only Palestinians but also Jordan, while provoking the conscience of Muslims and Christians worldwide. Upholding this custodianship provides Arabs with additional legitimacy that strengthens their political position and widens their diplomatic scope.

Meanwhile, the Israeli economy is facing mounting burdens from repeated wars. Security and defense costs are rising, foreign investments are fleeing, and market confidence is declining. If these pressures are combined with organized Arab action, the impact will be magnified, placing Israel in an economic dilemma difficult to overcome even with Western backing.

Despite differing Arab priorities, the Israeli project remains a direct threat to all. The plan to displace Palestinians and annex their lands is not a local matter but a strategic project designed to impose a new regional reality built on Israeli superiority with U.S. support. Confronting this project is therefore essential for the protection of Arab national security, not merely an obligation toward Palestine.

Western hesitation in recognizing Palestinian rights could drive Arabs to strengthen partnerships with alternative powers such as China, Russia, and India. These partnerships extend beyond energy to include technology, finance, and infrastructure, offering Arabs strategic alternatives that reduce dependence on U.S. and European markets while providing greater maneuvering space.

This is not limited to governments; the private sector and popular boycott movements can also exert pressure by targeting companies that support the occupation or redirecting investments. If combined with official policies, this creates an additional layer of strength. Supporting frontline states neighboring Palestine – Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq – is equally crucial, as bolstering their resilience represents the first line of defense for Arab national security.

The Doha statement ultimately serves as a test of Arab unity and their ability to translate words into action. The present moment is among the most dangerous the Arab and Islamic world has faced, with Israel, backed by the U.S., seeking to impose a new regional order. If Arabs fail to employ their economic and political power wisely and decisively, they will pay the price in their stability and sovereignty. But if they act seriously, they can restore balance, reshape Washington’s calculations, and secure a just solution that places Palestine at the center of any regional settlement.