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Maldives Implements Nationwide Ban on Israeli Citizens
The Maldives has enacted a comprehensive ban on citizens holding Israeli passports from entering the island nation, a move taken in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. This prohibition, impacting travelers from a key ally of the UK and US, comes amidst rising international tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The decision, approved by President Mohamed Muizzu, underscores the Muslim-majority country’s firm stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its implications for international tourism and relations.
National Ban on Israeli Passport Holders Approved
President Mohamed Muizzu officially ratified legislation passed by the Maldivian parliament on Tuesday, formalizing the ban on Israeli passport holders. According to a statement released by the President’s office, this action demonstrates the government’s unwavering position regarding the “continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.”
The statement further emphasized, “The Maldives reiterates its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian cause.”
Scope of the Travel Restrictions
At present, it remains unclear whether the entry ban extends to individuals holding dual nationality, possessing both Israeli and another passport. Further clarification on the specifics of the implemented travel restrictions is awaited.
Israel Previously Advised Citizens Against Maldives Travel
Prior to this official nationwide ban, Israel had already cautioned its citizens against traveling to the Maldives. This advisory was issued due to increasing anti-Israel sentiment following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Israel emphatically denies accusations of genocide.
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Impact on Maldives Tourism
Official statistics indicate that in February, only 59 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives, a popular luxury travel destination, out of a total of 214,000 foreign arrivals. While nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives in the past year, they constituted a minor 0.6 percent of the total tourist influx.
The ban, effective immediately, encompasses all of the Maldives’ 1,192 coral islets.
Historical Context of Maldives-Israel Relations
The Maldives, with a population exceeding 530,000, of which over 98 percent are Muslim, had previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the 1990s. Attempts to normalize relations were initiated in 2010, but diplomatic efforts stalled in 2012.
Domestic Pressure for Ban
Opposition factions and allies of the government within the Maldives have exerted pressure on President Muizzu to prohibit Israeli nationals as a clear expression of opposition to the conflict in Gaza. This domestic pressure has contributed to the government’s decision to implement the ban.
Heightened Caution for Israeli Travelers
Since the October 7 attacks, Israelis traveling abroad have been advised to exercise increased caution. Reports indicate that certain pro-Palestinian groups have attempted to identify Israeli military personnel overseas, with the intention of pursuing their arrest on war crimes allegations.
Prior Israeli Travel Warning
In the preceding year, Israel had already issued a warning to its citizens against visiting the Maldives, citing a “heightened anti-Israel atmosphere” fueled by public statements from Maldivian officials and growing anti-Israel sentiment related to the war with Hamas.
Subsequently, the Maldivian government announced a cabinet decision to amend legislation to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and established a sub-committee to oversee the implementation process.
Gaza Conflict and Regional Tensions
According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the recent escalation of violence has resulted in significant casualties. They reported that at least 1,574 Palestinians have been killed since March 18, following the collapse of a ceasefire. This brings the overall death toll in Gaza since the conflict began to 50,944.
These reports emerged as an Israeli airstrike heavily damaged a hospital in Gaza, further escalating regional tensions. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Hamas “command and control center” allegedly operating within the medical facility. Since the war’s commencement, numerous Gazans have sought refuge in hospitals throughout the region, many of which have sustained substantial damage amid ongoing hostilities.
The strike on Al-Ahli Hospital, also known as the Baptist or Ahli Arab Hospital, reportedly caused no casualties but occurred shortly after Israeli forces gained control of a crucial corridor in the territory, signaling potential expansion of their military campaign.