Israel has advised its citizens to leave the Maldives after the government of the South Asian nation imposed a ban on its passport. The Maldivian government decided to amend necessary laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country.
The decision comes in response to the country's growing anger over Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel’s foreign affairs ministry released a statement on Sunday, asking its citizens to return before they encounter trouble, news agency Xinhua reported.
“If Israelis who are currently in the
Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them,” the news agency quoted the ministry as saying,
In addition, Israel also advised its citizens to refrain from travelling to the Island nation, even if they hold dual citizenship.
The island nation receives over one million tourists, with an estimated 15,000 tourists from Israel, reports say.
Soon after the Maldivian government ban on its passport, the official X (formerly Twitter) page of Israel’s Embassy in India, suggested its citizens to visit Indian beaches.
Sharing pictures of beaches in Lakshadweep, Kerala, Goa, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Israel’s Embassy in India wrote, “Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. Check out these recommendations from Israel In India, based on the places visited by our diplomats.”
Earlier, on Sunday, in an official statement,
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
announced the ban on Israeli passport holders. The statement added that the cabinet decided to amend the necessary laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives.
Ahead of the ban, President Muizzu wrote on X, “Strongly condemn the deadly attack by Israeli forces on the tent camp in Rafah, where displaced Palestinians were taking shelter. Israel must abide by the ICJ rulings. No country is exempt from international law. Together with the Government and people of
Maldives, I call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence and unhindered humanitarian access.”
The government has also decided to conduct a nationwide rally with the slogan "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine".
