The ban on the Indian Ocean archipelago demonstrates solidarity with the besieged population of Gaza, facing relentless attacks and massive hunger.
The Maldives government will bar Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for its white sand beaches and luxury resorts, as public anger in the predominantly Muslim country mounts. to the war in Gaza.
President Mohamed Muizzu has “decided to impose a ban on Israeli passports,” a spokesperson for his office said in a statement, without giving details on when the new law would come into force.
Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”. Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, representing 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals.
Official data also shows that the number of Israelis visiting the Maldives fell to 528 in the first four months of this year, a drop of 88 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.
Opposition parties and their government allies in the Maldives pressured Muizzu to ban Israelis in protest against the war in Gaza. At least 36,439 Palestinians have been killed and 82,627 injured in the conflict since October 7.
‘Was good’
The Maldives lifted a previous ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and moved to repair relations in 2010. However, attempts at normalization were scuttled after the overthrow of President Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012.
In response to the ban, an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged citizens currently in the Maldives to leave. “For Israeli citizens who remain in the country, it is recommended that they consider leaving, because if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help them. »
Israeli passport holders were also not allowed to enter Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and in Yemen.
In an article on in Gaza.
Was good pic.twitter.com/GmiwEzZGck
– Israel ישראל (@Israel) March 14, 2024
