Gulf leaders have issued one of their most forceful collective statements on Israel’s conduct in Gaza, accusing it of genocide, ethnic cleansing and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure – while simultaneously tightening ranks against Iran and pledging deeper integration across security, energy and trade.

Wrapping up their 46th summit in Manama, the six GCC states declared Gulf security “indivisible”, with any attack on one member now treated as an attack on all. Bahrain assumed the rotating presidency from Kuwait, with leaders backing Manama’s 2026 action plan as the blueprint for accelerated union.

The Gaza war dominated proceedings. In unusually sharp language, the Council held Israel “fully responsible” for attacks on Gaza and rejected any attempt to frame its actions as self-defence or justify the forced displacement of Palestinians. It accused Israel of collective punishment and war crimes.

At the same time, leaders welcomed a new US-backed peace framework adopted by the UN Security Council, praised President Donald Trump’s engagement and the outcomes of the Sharm El Sheikh summit, and backed an Arab-led plan for Gaza’s reconstruction – insisting its future lies within a unified Palestinian state based on 1967 borders.

The GCC demanded an end to the siege of Gaza, the opening of all crossings for humanitarian aid and called for more countries to recognise Palestinian statehood with East Jerusalem as its capital. Leaders also condemned Israeli settlement expansion and moves to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

Summit reinforces Gulf stance on Iran

The summit sharpened the Gulf’s position toward Tehran. The GCC renewed its demand that Iran end what it called the occupation of three UAE islands – Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa – condemning Iranian military drills, settlement activity and official visits as violations of sovereignty.

Leaders also restated that the offshore Al Durra gas field lies entirely within Saudi-Kuwaiti waters, with its resources jointly owned by Riyadh and Kuwait alone, rejecting claims by “any other party” – a clear reference to Iranian counter-claims.

While criticising Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and calling for peaceful resolution, the Council urged Iran to respect good-neighbourliness, stop meddling in regional affairs and cooperate with the IAEA. It insisted GCC states must be included in any future Iran-related negotiations.

On integration, the Council ordered accelerated work on transforming the bloc from a cooperative body into a formal Gulf union, with ministers instructed to complete procedures and report back at the next summit.

Gulf states deepen economic cooperation

Economic measures included launching a Customs Data Exchange Platform in late 2026, finalising requirements for the GCC Customs Union and opening cross-border trade in services with mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Infrastructure plans include establishing a GCC Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE and advancing the long-delayed GCC Railway to connect member states. Leaders also endorsed unified rules for jointly owned property and backed a “Made in the Gulf” showcase in October 2026.

The GCC also pledged stronger action on climate and energy transition under Saudi-led regional green initiatives, emphasising support for “all energy sources” and emissions-cutting technologies. Leaders highlighted progress on the Circular Carbon Economy framework, including clean hydrogen, carbon capture and nature-based solutions.

The communiqué covered a sweep of Middle Eastern crises, backing Iraq’s territorial integrity, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and UN-led peace efforts in Sudan, Syria, Lebanon and Libya. It condemned Houthi attacks and Red Sea shipping threats, praised the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal, and reiterated blanket rejection of terrorism.

On Russia’s war in Ukraine, leaders called for respect for sovereignty, noted Trump’s stated efforts to broker peace and highlighted Gulf mediation work.

The summit underscored expanding partnerships with the US, ASEAN, China and the EU, with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni attending as guest of honour. Saudi Arabia will host the 47th session.