Israel- Hamas war: Maldives bans Israeli passport holders over war on Gaza

The Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts, has announced a ban on Israeli nationals following the recent ...

Published: June 3, 2024 4:04 PM IST

By Video Desk

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The Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts, has announced a ban on Israeli nationals following the recent Gaza offensive, where at least 45 civilians were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the casualties a “tragic mishap”.
Maldives have banned entry of the people of Israel to protest against Gaza offensive and this is itself announced by president of the island nation, Mohamed Muizzu. The statement, however, didn’t give details about when the new law will take effect.

Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.” The move comes amid pressure from the opposition and the government’s allies to ban Israelis from the Maldives as a protest against the war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians.

Now, let me take you back in time when in the early 1990s, the Maldives had lifted an old ban on Israeli citizens. The country also restored diplomatic relations with Israel in 2010. However, attempts to normalize relations ended when former president Mohamed Nasheed was removed from power in 2012.

In return, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens not to travel to the Maldives. Additionally, it has warned Israeli citizens currently in the Maldives to leave the country.

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Tourism which is the main source of income for the Maldives’ economy as seen a major dip. However, Israeli tourism to the country has decreased by 88 percent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.
The situation continues to develop, with the world watching closely.