The Maldivian authorities have banned citizens with Israeli passports from entering the country. This announcement was made by Ali Ihsaan, the Minister of Internal Security and Technology, and the statement was published on the website of the country's president.
The government of the Maldives recently made this decision. To ensure its enforcement, the Cabinet of Ministers will establish a special commission.
The decision to prohibit the entry of Israeli citizens stems from the military operations in the Gaza Strip. Local media report that the situation in the Middle East has sparked public outrage in the island nation.
In a further show of solidarity with Palestine, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced his intention to appoint a special envoy to assess the needs of the Palestinian people.
Additionally, he plans to organize a fundraising campaign through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and to host a national rally under the slogan "Maldivians Stand in Solidarity with Palestine."
SunOnline, a local news outlet, reports that around 15,000 Israeli tourists visit the Maldives each year.
