MALE: The Maldives on Sunday announced to ban Israeli citizens from its luxury tourist destinations in “solidarity with Palestine” amidst the ongoing bombardment campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip since October 7 that has killed over 36,439 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s office announced the decision on Sunday, alongside plans for a national rally and a fundraising campaign dubbed “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.”
This decision marks a significant shift for the Islamic Republic, known for its stunning coral islets, sandy white beaches, and turquoise lagoons, which have long been sought after by tourists seeking a tropical getaway.
The ban on Israelis, to be implemented soon, comes as a response to the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Gaza. The Maldivian government views the ban as a form of protest against the violence. The decision follows mounting pressure from opposition parties and government allies, who have been advocating for the ban since the Gaza conflict escalated.
The Maldives had previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and made efforts to restore relations in 2010. However, these attempts were thwarted after the ousting of former president Mohamed Nasheed in 2012.
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Official statistics reveal a sharp decline in the number of Israeli visitors to the Maldives, with only 528 recorded in the first four months of this year, marking an 88 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
In response to the ban, a spokesperson from the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Israeli citizens to refrain from traveling to the Maldives. They also urged those currently in the country to consider leaving, citing potential difficulties in providing assistance in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Gaza conflict continues to escalate, with Israel continuing its relentless bombardments since October 7 last year. The Gaza health ministry reported that the violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,439 Palestinian people, mostly women and children
