The Maldives has announced that it will prohibit the entry of Israeli citizens due to public outrage in the predominantly Muslim archipelago over the conflict in Gaza.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s office stated that the cabinet has decided to change the laws to prevent individuals holding Israeli passports from entering the country. Additionally, a subcommittee will be established to oversee this process.
Furthermore, the president will designate a special envoy to evaluate the needs of Palestinians and initiate a fundraising campaign.
In response, Israel’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens, including those with dual citizenship, against travelling to the Maldives. It has also suggested that those currently in the country should consider leaving.
The ministry emphasized the difficulty of assisting Israeli citizens in distress if they remain in the Maldives.
According to data from the Maldives government, the number of Israeli nationals visiting the country has significantly decreased this year, with only 528 visitors in the first four months compared to 4,644 during the same period in 2023. Last year, approximately 11,000 Israelis visited the archipelago, representing 0.6% of total tourist arrivals.
These developments follow large-scale protests in Tel Aviv demanding the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the immediate release of hostages. Approximately 120,000 people participated in the demonstration, urging the governing coalition to accept a ceasefire proposal by US President Joe Biden.
The proposed deal involves the gradual release of hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on Israel in October in exchange for the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel is intensifying its military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah amid mounting criticism of the significant civilian casualties and destruction resulting from the prolonged conflict with Hamas.
Israel has reported that approximately 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, along with other ongoing challenges.
