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The Maldives government has announced a ban on Israeli passport holders from entering the popular Indian Ocean archipelago in response to the war in Gaza, which has sparked public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation. The decision, made by the Cabinet, involves changing laws to prevent Israelis from visiting and establishing a subcommittee to oversee the process. President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess the needs of Palestinians and launch a fundraising campaign in support.

In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has advised Israelis to avoid traveling to the Maldives, including those with foreign passports, and for those currently there to consider leaving. Last year, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, accounting for only 0.6% of total tourist arrivals.

The move comes amid escalating tensions in the region following the conflict in Gaza, with many countries expressing support for Palestinians and taking actions such as boycotting Israeli products or imposing travel bans on Israeli citizens. The ban on Israelis entering the Maldives is seen as a strong symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The decision is likely to have implications for the tourism industry in the Maldives, which relies heavily on foreign visitors, including Israelis. It remains to be seen how the ban will be enforced and how it will affect the country’s economy and diplomatic relations with Israel.

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