Qatar's foreign minister says that sanctions imposed upon his country violate global law, calling the moves by Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations an "unjust siege". Tillerson's carefully crafted statement urges the emir of Qatar to do more to stem terrorist financing but adds that "others must also continue to eliminate factions of support for violent organizations within their own borders". He says the USA asks that there be "no further escalation". That comes after Trump, who tweeted Tuesday about Qatar funding extremists, called Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday and offered to host leaders at the White House to resolve the crisis.
"Qatar has a history of supporting groups that span the spectrum of political expression, from activism to violence", Tillerson said.
"The four countries agreed on categorising 59 persons and 12 entities in their list of terrorism", they said affirming "that they won't be lenient in pursuing" such persons and groups. He said families were being separated, children removed from school and Qataris forced to deal with food shortages.
Bahrain joined Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and several other countries on Monday when it cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing its fellow Gulf Arab state of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.
Arab states to 'accept nothing but deep changes' in Qatar
The sheikh's remarks came as efforts intensified to resolve the feud pitting Saudi Arabia and allied Arab nations against Qatar . The latter hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East , which is involved in anti-IS operations.
Qatar is the regional headquarters for U.S. Central Command and home to some 10,000 American troops, NPR's Scott Horsley has reported.
There was no immediate reaction from Qatar, which hosts some 10,000 US troops.
"We believe there are unintended consequences, especially during this holy month of Ramadan but they can be addressed immediately", Tillerson said. The kingdom called the allegations "baseless".
Gabriel said it was important to prevent any "further escalation" and that Germany was willing to help with any negotiations, noting that other diplomatic efforts were already being made by the U.S., Kuwait and others, and that he was "optimistic" they would be able to organize talks. He says the elements of a resolution are available.
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