Maldives bans entry of Israeli passport holders: ‘In Solidarity with Palestine’

The Maldives government has decided to impose a ban on the entry of Israeli citizens from entering the island nation, a statement by the Maldivian President’s office said. The South Asian nation will also amend necessary laws to ban the entry of Israeli cities into the country, the statement added.

The archipelago nation also appointed a special envoy to assess the Palestinian needs. It further announced setting up a fundraising campaign to assist Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The island nation has also decided to conduct a nationwide rally with the slogan “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine” to show support for the Palestinian citizens.

The decision was formally announced by the country’s Homeland Security and Technology Minister, Ali Ihusan, following a cabinet meeting under the leadership of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at his residence.

“President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced the decision at a news conference held at the President’s Office this afternoon,” a statement by the Maldives President’s office read.

Speaking to the media, Ihusaan said that a government process has been initiated to amend the country’s law to stop the entry of Israeli citizens.

Earlier, Maldives also condemned the Israeli strikes in Rafah.

“Such deliberate aggression and genocidal acts targeted against civilians are in gross violation of international humanitarian law,” the Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Last week, Israel carried out strikes in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, killing at least 35 Palestinians.

Amidst the global outrage, Israel again bombed the Rafah area on May 28, killing at least 45 people, according to Palestinian officials.