In response to the war in Gaza, the Maldives has announced a ban on Israeli passport holders entering the country, sparking public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation. President Mohamed Muizzu’s office declared the ban without specifying when it would take effect.
Israel, in turn, recommended that its citizens avoid traveling to the Maldives, including those with dual citizenship. The Israeli foreign ministry cited difficulties in providing assistance to citizens already in the country.
The Maldivian government faced pressure from opposition parties and allies to impose the ban in solidarity with Palestine. A national fundraising campaign, “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine,” was also announced.
The Maldives had previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s but later halted normalization attempts after political changes. The country, known for its luxury resorts and sandy beaches, saw a significant drop in Israeli tourist arrivals.
Source: Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, Reuters