From Oil Weapon to Mediation Diplomacy: An Examination of the Gulf States’ Responses to the Gaza War

This chapter analyzes developments during the first ten months of the Gaza War, focusing on the diplomatic responses of the Gulf states. The Gulf states supported Palestine during the October War in 1973 by using the so-called “oil weapons” strategy. After that, however, the Gulf states adopted a pragmatic approach and established backdoor relations with Israel while continuing their support for Palestine. Then, with the Abrahamic Accords of 2020, the relations between the Gulf states and Israel changed dramatically. This change has also affected the Gulf states’ positions and responses to the Gaza War. Qatar, in particular, made a strong effort to mediate between Hamas and Israel to free the hostages and achieve a ceasefire.