Six Gulf states have severed ties with Qatar following a diplomatic crisis among the regional countries.
Saudi Arabia, a leader in the Arab world and a power player in international politics, joined hands with its allies on Monday to place sanctions on Qatar, citing “support for extremism” as the reason.
After reports of the trade blockade hit news stands in Doha, residents were seen stocking goods from supermarkets to avoid a speculated scarcity and inflation.
Neighboring countries — Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, including Yemen’s exiled government, and the Maldives, all severed ties with gas-rich Qatar.
Read: Saudi Arabia Warns Of Alternative Solutions In Syria.
Saudi government accused Qatar of having links with the Muslim Brotherhood, and giving support to terror groups backed by Iran, an arch-enemy.
Local media reports in the state confirm Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE will close down all ports (ground, air and sea) to stall transit to and from Qatar.
Read: Secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council (EC) Accusing Saudi Arabia Of Sending Terrorists To Iran.
The sanctions are expected to exert pressure on the country with a total population of 2.6 million.
In early 2017, statistics showed Qatar’s total population is made up of only 313,000 citizens and 2.3 million expatriates.
Egypt said it has joined in the coalition and will be shutting down its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security.
The economic sanctions forbid all citizens of Bahrain, UAE and Saudi from visiting Qatar, passing through it, or residing in the country.
All affected Qatari citizens in other gulf states have been advised to leave within a period of 14 period; the same order applies to citizens from Saudi and other neighboring countries who reside in Qatar.
Ethiad Airways, headquartered in Abi-Dhabi, said on Tuesday that it will suspend all flights to Qatar in solidarity to the unified sanctions.
While Qatar is scheduled to host the World Cup in 2022, there are speculations that FIFA may have other plans underway to safeguard its business and guarantee a hitch-free tournament.
Read: Saudi Arabia Presents VISION 2030.
The football governing body declined to make statements on whether Qatar’s hosting rights will be withdrawn, but notified that there’s “regular contact” for the meantime.
The influential German Football Association has said it will discuss potential issues with the German government.
Read: Racehorse To Be Executed In Saudi Arabia For Being Gay.
“Major tournaments should not be played in countries that actively support terror,” said Reinhard Grindel, the president of German Football Association.
Grindel also stressed that his country’s government has an ax to grind with the group on pressing matters.
“There are still five years to go before the World Cup starts. During this time priority should be given to political solutions rather than threats of boycott.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Qatar, demanding that it adheres to all 10 conditions already sent to Kuwait, which is acting as the mediator between the two power blocs, Zero Hedge wrote.
One of the demands say Qatar must end all ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.
Developing: Saudi Arabia issues ultimatum to #Qatar demanding it end all ties Muslim Brotherhood & Hamas pic.twitter.com/mIgWLsXfKg
— Dipatch2016 (@Daily_News_Wire) June 6, 2017
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