The Maldivian government announced on Sunday its decision to amend laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Indian Ocean archipelago. This move comes amid growing public anger in the Maldives over the ongoing and devastating attacks by Israeli forces on Gaza. The decision was revealed by Home Minister Ali Ihusan during an emergency press briefing at the President’s Office, as reported by news portal Sun.mv.
Legal Amendments and Implementation
Home Minister Ihusan stated, “The cabinet decided today to make the legal amendments necessary to ban entry into the Maldives on Israeli passports as soon as possible.” To expedite the process, the cabinet has formed a special committee of ministers. While the cabinet has made this decision, its actual implementation will require specific legal reforms.
Impact on Tourism
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, attracting over one million tourists annually. Among these, approximately 15,000 visitors come from Israel. The proposed ban on Israeli passport holders could potentially affect this segment of the tourism industry.
Support for Palestine
In addition to the entry ban, the Maldivian cabinet has decided to appoint a special presidential envoy to identify areas where Palestine requires support from the Maldives. The envoy will also organize fundraising events to assist Palestinians through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Context of the Gaza Conflict
The Gaza conflict began on October 7 when Hamas initiated an attack on Israel, resulting in over 800 deaths and the capture of 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel launched a massive counter-offensive against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that has governed Gaza since 2007. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the Israeli actions have resulted in over 36,000 deaths, including women and children.
Next Steps
The Maldivian government’s decision reflects the country’s strong stance in response to the Gaza conflict. As legal reforms are required for the implementation of the ban on Israeli passport holders, the special committee of ministers will work towards swiftly enacting the necessary changes.
This move is part of broader efforts by the Maldives to support the Palestinian cause and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through coordinated efforts and international aid.
