US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on countries to ease their blockade against Qatar to avert the humanitarian, commercial and military consequences of the embargo.

“We call on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to ease the blockade against Qatar,” said Tillerson on 9 June. “There are humanitarian consequences to this blockade. We are seeing shortages of food, families being forcibly separated and children being pulled out of school. We believe these are unintended consequences, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. But they can be addressed immediately.”

In addition to humanitarian concerns, Tillerson also highlighted the commercial and military implications of the blockade. “The blockade is impairing US and other international business activities in the region and has created hardship for the people of Qatar and the people whose livelihoods depend on commerce with Qatar,” he said. ”The blockade is hindering US military action in the region and the campaign against Isis [Islamic State in Iraq and Syria].”

On 5 June, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain severed diplomatic links with Qatar amid growing tensions in the Gulf. The four countries have accused Qatar of fuelling instability in the region.

A blockade has also been imposed, with Saudi Arabia closing Qatar’s only land border, and the three GCC states closing their airspace and preventing direct shipping services. They have also said Qatari nationals should leave their respective countries.