Reuters
Qatar said on Monday that there was “no legitimate justification” for several nations cutting ties with the Gulf state over claims that it was harboring “a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region.” Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen, and Maldives all announced they would suspend relations. Qatar said the decision was in “violation of its sovereignty,” telling its citizens and residents that such measures would not affect them. “The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact,” the statement said. Local reports said Qataris were scrambling Monday to withdraw money at banks after the sudden cutoff, with long lines at ATMs and supermarkets.