Dana Petroleum ignores calls from Scottish and UK lawmakers over Gaza gas licences

Dana Petroleum, headquartered in Aberdeen and ultimately owned by the Korean National Oil Corporation, was granted a licence in 2023 to explore gas reserves off the Gaza coast soon after the October 7 attacks. Human-rights organisations and climate activists warned that such extraction might violate international humanitarian law and benefit Israel’s military campaign. Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman wrote to company chair Wonjun Kwak demanding an answer, while Labour MP Brian Leishman raised the issue with Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, questioning the legality of the activity.

The Foreign Office reiterated that the UK recognises Palestine’s maritime rights and expects UK firms to obey international law, but Dana Petroleum has not responded to either politician. The firm also declined comment to journalists, prompting further accusations of contempt for Holyrood and Westminster. The silence persists despite similar companies, such as Eni, publicly withdrawing from Palestinian waters.