Maldives Blocks Israeli Citizens, President Muizzu Kicks Off Fundraiser for Palestine

The Maldives has decided to impose a ban on people holding Israeli passports, the island's president Mohamed Muizzu's office said, as per the report. 

The press release did not provide more information about the date of entry into force of the new law.

In this regard, Muizzu launched a national fundraising campaign called 'Maldives in solidarity with Palestine.'

The decision follows increased pressure from the opposition and government allies to ban Israelis from entering the Maldives in protest against the ongoing war in Gaza, which is said to have killed thousands of civilians.

The Maldives lifted its ban on Israeli citizens in the early 1990s and restored diplomatic relations in 2010. However, AFP reported that efforts to normalize relations ended after the ouster of former president Mohamed Nasheed in 2012.

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Israel Warns Citizens

In response, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens not to travel to the Maldives and advised those already in the country to consider leaving.

'Israeli citizens in the country are advised to consider leaving because if they need help for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help,' the ministry said, according to AFP.

Impact Of Gaza War

The Gaza conflict resulted in at least 36,439 IDF deaths, mostly civilians.

In tourism, the cornerstone of the Maldivian economy, the number of Israeli visitors has decreased significantly - in the first four months of this year, it was 88 percent compared to the same period last year.

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