GCC and Arab League strongly condemn attack on Qatari gas tanker 'Al-Maydah' in the Arabian Gulf

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budaiwi, expressed his strongest condemnation and denunciation of the attack targeting the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker “Al-Maidah,” owned by Qatar Petroleum Shipping Company, while it was navigating in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

In a statement, Al-Budaiwi said that targeting energy tankers constitutes a serious escalation that threatens regional security and endangers lives, property, and global economic trade flows. He emphasized that sea lanes must remain safe for navigation and commerce.

He warned of the potential consequences of targeting gas tankers, whether on the marine environment or on the regularity of energy flows and market stability, stressing the need to hold those responsible for this heinous attack accountable. Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s support for the measures and actions taken by the State of Qatar to safeguard its assets, protect its property, and confront any threats to its security and interests.

For its part, the Arab League condemned the attack on the Qatari LNG tanker “Al-Maidah” as it sailed in the Arabian Gulf, affirming its solidarity with the State of Qatar.

The Arab League stated in a press release that targeting commercial vessels poses a threat to the safety of maritime navigation and ship crews, and is contrary to the rules of international law. It reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at uncovering the circumstances of the incident and identifying those responsible, stressing the necessity of respecting freedom of maritime navigation and ensuring the safety of ships and the protection of international trade flows.

It warned against the repercussions of repeating such attacks on energy supply security and market stability, as well as the potential environmental risks that could result from targeting energy tankers, which may cause damage to the marine environment and water resources of the countries in the region.

The Arab League called for strengthening regional and international cooperation to protect maritime navigation and trade routes, and to put an end to acts targeting the safety of ships and civilian infrastructure, in order to de-escalate tensions and preserve regional security and stability.