Genocide Protests In Gaza, Maldives Ban Israelis From Entering Its Territory

Malldives/ILLUSTRATION OF UNSPLASH/Datingscout

JAKARTA - Maldives (Maldives) prohibits Israeli passport holders from entering its territory. Maldives protested Israel's actions to commit genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu ratified amendments to the country's immigration law after it was passed by parliament on Tuesday, the presidential office statement said.

The amendment introduced a new provision in the Immigration Act, which explicitly prohibits the entry of visitors with Israeli passports into the Maldives.

"The ratification reflects the Government's firm stance in responding to continuing atrocities and genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people," the Maldives president's office said in a statement.

Israel's foreign ministry and the country's consulate office in Colombo did not respond to a response request.

Israel has consistently rejected allegations of genocide, saying it respects international law and has the right to defend itself after a cross-border Hamas attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023 that sparked war.

Meanwhile, South Africa has filed a case against Israel at the UN International Court and Amnesty International accused it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in a December report that it has denied.

Muizzu from the Maldives initially called for a ban on Israeli passport holders in June 2024 following cabinet recommendations, prompting Israel's foreign ministry to recommend that its citizens avoid the islands known for their beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.

Tourism is the main driver of the Maldives economy, accounting for about 21% of its GDP and generating $5.6 billion by 2024, according to government data. The island nation expects revenue of around $5 billion this year.