In a bold move, the Maldives has announced a ban on the entry of Israeli tourists, a decision ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu shortly after parliamentary approval on Tuesday. This legislation reflects the government’s firm stance against what it describes as “continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide” committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.
“The Maldives reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause,” stated a representative from Muizzu’s office, emphasizing the urgency of the ban, which will take effect immediately.
The Maldives, renowned for its picturesque white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons, is a popular luxury destination, yet only 59 Israeli tourists visited the archipelago in February, amidst 214,000 total foreign arrivals. The country had lifted a previous ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and made attempts to restore relations in 2010.
Domestic political pressures have mounted, with both opposition parties and government allies urging Muizzu to take a definitive stance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response to the escalating violence, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously advised its citizens to avoid travel to the Maldives.
The current conflict ignited following a deadly attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate that at least 1,218 Israelis, mostly civilians, lost their lives, while Gaza’s health ministry has reported over 50,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began.
As tensions rise, the Maldives’ decision marks a significant shift in its foreign policy, aligning with a broader expression of solidarity for the Palestinian cause amid ongoing global discussions regarding the conflict.
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