GCC, Arab states condemn Houthi allegations against Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the Muslim World League (MWL) have strongly condemned recent allegations made by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming their support for the Kingdom and stressing the need to safeguard international maritime navigation.GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi denounced the statements issued by the Houthi militia's so-called military spokesman, describing them as baseless allegations aimed at distorting facts and evading responsibility for actions that have deepened the suffering of the Yemeni people and threatened regional security and stability.Al-Budaiwi said the accusations could not obscure Saudi Arabia's longstanding efforts to support the Yemeni people, advance the political process, strengthen regional stability and provide humanitarian and relief assistance.He also stressed that the security of maritime navigation and the free flow of international trade are fundamental pillars of regional and global stability, warning that attacks on international waterways constitute a clear violation of international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.The GCC chief urged the international community to take a firm stance against Houthi threats and ensure the implementation of Security Council resolutions to protect international shipping lanes.Jordan also condemned the Houthi statements, reaffirming its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security and the safety of its citizens and residents.Kuwait and Qatar issued similar statements, rejecting the Houthi allegations and reiterating that Saudi Arabia's security is an integral part of the security of the GCC states. Both countries called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 2216 on Yemen and 2722 on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.The Muslim World League also strongly condemned the Houthi statements. Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa described the allegations as false claims intended to divert attention from the militia's actions, accusing it of bringing destruction to Yemen and targeting civilian infrastructure, oil export facilities, government institutions and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.Al-Issa said Saudi Arabia's record of supporting the Yemeni people through humanitarian aid, development projects, budget support and backing UN-led peace efforts stands in clear contrast to the Houthi allegations.