Saudi Arabia and Allies Sanction Two Entities and 11 Individuals Linked to Qatar

On Thursday, December 2, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain added two entities and eleven individuals linked to Qatar to their sanctions list. Al Arabiya, affiliated with Saudi Arabia, reports that these entities and individuals have been added to the list of 'terrorism-supporting' individuals and entities of these four Arab countries. According to the report, one of the sanctioned entities is the 'International Union of Muslim Scholars,' headed by Yusuf al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian cleric residing in Qatar, which was established in 2004. These four countries had previously sanctioned several Qatari individuals and entities associated with Yusuf al-Qaradawi on charges of supporting terrorism. A statement published by the official Saudi news agency states that the 'World Islamic Council' and the 'International Union of Muslim Scholars' are two 'terrorist entities' that expand 'terrorist activities' by misusing Islamic discourse as a cover. The statement adds that the individuals who have been sanctioned have also participated in various terrorist operations with direct support and guidance from Qatar, including providing passports and employing them in Qatari institutions under charitable pretenses to facilitate their activities. The statement further emphasizes that Qatari officials continue to support terrorism and extremism. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed their relations with Qatar and imposed an economic blockade on the country in mid-June of this year. These countries accuse the Qatari government of supporting Islamic extremism and maintaining close ties with Iran. The four Arab countries announced 13 conditions for resuming relations with Qatar, but Qatar has refused to accept these conditions. Among the demands of these countries are the closure of Al Jazeera television network, severing political ties with Iran, expelling members of the Muslim Brotherhood, and closing the Turkish military base in Qatar. In this context, the World Trade Organization is addressing Qatar's complaint against the UAE, while Bahrain has called for the suspension of Qatar's membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Tillerson stated that the Qatar crisis will not be resolved soon, and the Saudi news agency reported that Riyadh has suspended any dialogue with Qatar. The Emir of Qatar stated that he is ready for dialogue with the besieging countries.