In a show of solidarity with Gaza amid the ongoing war, Maldives decided on Sunday to ban Israelis from entering the country, as public outrage intensifies over the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry advised its citizens against traveling to the Maldives following the ban.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Maldives changed its laws to enforce this new policy.
A statement from the President’s office revealed that the Maldivian Cabinet decided to prohibit holders of Israeli passports from entering the Maldives.
Last year, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, representing 0.6% of the total number of inbound tourists.
In December last year, Israel issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to the Maldives, citing growing “anti-Israeli” sentiments during the war with Palestinian factions.
The Maldives, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its picturesque beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts.
However, it has also been vocal about its support for Palestine and has previously condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.
This ban on Israeli travelers is seen as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing conflict.
