Maldives to ban entry of Israeli nationals, President Muizzu gives approval to plan
People in Maldives stage protest against Israel
The Maldives on Sunday (June 2) declared it would amend a law to effectively ban the entry of Israeli nationals into the South Asian nation.
The country's Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took the decision in a cabinet meeting to ban Israel's passport in the country.
This comes as Muizzu has appointed a special envoy to identify Palestine's requests from the Maldives regarding the ongoing war in Gaza.
The archipelago nation also said it was setting up a fundraising campaign to help Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
"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.
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As per sources, the government process to make necessary amendments to the law has started.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the Israeli citizens who are currently in the Maldives to try leaving the country after the annoucement.
"If Israelis who are currently in the Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them," stated the ministry.
Earlier, Male had condemned Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes in the southern Gazan city of 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.
It is to be noted that nearly 11,000 Israelis had visited Maldives last year, 0.6 per cent of the total foreign arrivals.
In October last year, Israel had warned its nationals to avoid travelling to the Maldives after it launched the war in Gaza.
Maldives officially backs the idea of theestablishment of an independent and sovereign state based on the pre‑1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
(With inputs from agencies)