US lawmakers are taking action against the Maldives’ travel ban on Israeli passport holders in response to the conflict in Gaza. Congressman Josh Gottheimer is spearheading efforts to push back against the ban, which was announced by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday. The proposed legislation, known as the Protecting Allied Travel Here (PATH) Act, may link US aid to the Maldives with the country’s permission for Israelis to visit. Gottheimer, a strong supporter of Israel, believes that taxpayer dollars should not support a nation that discriminates against Israeli citizens. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to the Maldives following the ban.
The ban marks a shift in the Maldives’ relationship with Israel, which had previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists and established diplomatic ties in 2010. Pressure from opposition parties and government allies in the Maldives has led to the ban as a protest against the Gaza war. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a high number of casualties, mostly civilians.