ALBAWABA - The Maldives recently announced on Sunday, Jun. 2, 2024, that it will be banning Israeli passport holders from entering the country amid the ongoing aggression on Gaza that resulted in the killing of thousands of Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023.
According to the government announcement, Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu imposed the ban after a vote in the cabinet. Commenting on the decision, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended Israelis currently residing in the country leave and avoid going there.
"For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help." The Ministry stated.
Maldives bans Israeli people from its country amid aggression on Gaza
According to CNN, President Muizzu also announced a special rally under the name "Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin," which translates to "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine."
Maldives made its stance with Palestine clear as it also recently commended the ICJ after it issued an arrest warrant on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Security Minister Yoav Gallant, in addition to Hamas' Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. Muizzu added on his official X account (formerly known as Twitter) that this is "an important step in the pursuit of justice."
Moreover, he added that whoever commits war crimes inside the occupied Palestinian territories must be held accountable referring to Israel.
Users took to a post made by Middle East Eye on Instagram and expressed their opinions about the matter. Here's what they had to say:
"All countries of the world should do this."
"Great. Now I can add Maldives to my favorite summer destinations since I know it's clean from those people."
"We need to start traveling to places that support Palestine. Maldives, Spain, Norway, Ireland."
