International
Maldives implements travel ban on Israeli citizens amid rising Gaza conflict tensions
The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, prompting Israel to advise its citizens to avoid traveling to the archipelago. Rising tensions and public anger over the Gaza conflict have led to increased pressure on Maldives President to take a firm stance against Israel.
![Maldives ban Israeli passport holders from entering country](https://gutzymedia.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/wp/2024/06/03150128/IMG_20240603_135952.jpg)
MALDIVES: The Maldives, renowned for its luxury resorts and picturesque landscapes, has announced a ban on Israeli citizens entering the country.
The office of President Mohamed Muizzu made the announcement as public anger intensified in the predominantly Muslim nation over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A spokesperson for President Muizzu confirmed the decision to impose a ban on Israeli passports, although details regarding the implementation timeline were not provided.
In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry advised Israeli citizens to avoid travelling to the Maldives.
The ministry’s statement, issued on Sunday, extended the recommendation to Israelis with dual citizenship.
“For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist,” the ministry warned.
Israelis living in the archipelago were also urged to consider departing due to potential difficulties in receiving assistance.
The recent tensions have led to increased pressure from both opposition parties and government allies in the Maldives for President Muizzu to take a firm stance against Israel as a form of protest against the Gaza conflict.
On Sunday (2 June), the president’s office announced that the cabinet had decided to amend the laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.
In addition to the travel ban, President Muizzu has launched a national fundraising campaign titled “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.”
The Maldives had previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and sought to restore relations in 2010.
However, these normalization efforts were disrupted following the ousting of then-President Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012.
Official data indicates that the number of Israeli visitors to the Maldives dropped to 528 in the first four months of this year, an 88% decrease compared to the same period last year.
In 2023, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, accounting for 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals.
Beyond the Maldives, Israeli passport holders are also not allowed to enter Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen, according to Al Jazeera.
International condemnation of Israel has intensified following an attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in Rafah that killed 45 Palestinians and injured hundreds.
Despite a ruling by the top United Nations court on 24 May ordering Israel to stop its attacks, Israel has continued its assaults, arguing that the court’s ruling allows for some scope for military action.
Israel’s offensive in response to the 7 October attack by Hamas has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, many of whom are women and children.
The operation has obliterated entire neighbourhoods, forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, and pushed parts of the territory toward famine.
![](https://gutzy.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gutzy-Logo-whiteS.png)
-
Politics1 week ago
Jamus Lim on Minister Chee Hong Tat’s remarks on fiscal policy: Calls for genuine debate over rhetoric
-
Opinion2 weeks ago
Lawrence Wong must face MPs in Parliament, not hide behind compliant media
-
Politics2 weeks ago
SM Lee: Singaporeans must ‘change attitudes’ as Govt promises ‘bold and necessary changes’
-
Community1 week ago
Toast Box faces backlash and boycott calls amid price increases
-
Media6 days ago
Notice to Our Readers: Moving Back to The Online Citizen
-
Singapore1 week ago
Singapore introduces new scheme in April 2025 offering up to S$6,000 in financial support for retrenched workers
-
Politics1 week ago
Jamus Lim raises concerns over high cost of living and its impact on Singaporeans’ sense of belonging
-
Opinion1 week ago
Chee Hong Tat’s call for fiscal prudence rings hollow amid contradictory government spending
after the war, I bet Israel will resume back thier tourism. so many yearned to see the birth place of the holy one
Isn’t the Maldives sinking? God has already given them the answer.
So fast they all forgotten 7th October due to aggression, Hamas committed genocides. tsk tsk tsk
Lets welcome Hamas to the Maldives.tsk tsk tsk
The younger generation Israelis have started moving out of Israel five years ago. Some live in Thailand. Almost none want to be identified with the Zionists. Unfortunately for the leftist Jews, there is no way to differentiate themselves from the Zionists. If the genocide continues, people will start attacking Jews , every where in the world. So it is in the interest of the global community to begin sanctions against Israel before a massacre begins world wide. When govts refuse to act people will be forced to take it upon themselves to stop the genocide in whatever manner they deem… Read more »
Hamas and its supporters can look forward to travelling with no restrictions, … and enjoying the sandy shores of the Maldives, … along with a choice of a further 143 nations of the UN !!!
Hamas’ll probably take this opportunity to use the beaches to hone their tunnel building skills and showcase their expertise, … along with surprise visits via paragliding and scaling fences and walls !!!
Should be a real treat and experience for the locals !!!
Guess President Muizzu doesn’t “trust Israel”. I think john lim here should tell him WHY he might be *wrong* 🙂
I don’t think they have the time also to go for holiday at his current time…lol
After all I think they prefer the Seychelles. Thanks