The Maldives government decided to ban the entry of Israeli citizens into the island nation, according to a statement by the Maldivian President's office. The South Asian country also announced plans to amend necessary laws to enforce the ban. In addition to the ban, the Maldives appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and announced a fundraising campaign to assist Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
"The Cabinet decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process," the Office of President said, according to AFP.
The Maldives planned to conduct a nationwide rally with the slogan "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine" to show support for Palestinian citizens.
"President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess the Palestinian needs and to launch a fundraising campaign," the statement said, as per AFP.
The decision was formally announced by Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusan after a cabinet meeting led by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at this residence. "President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced the decision at a news conference held at the President's Office this afternoon," read a statement by the Maldives President's office.
Speaking to the media, Ihusaan said, "A government process has been initiated to amend the country's law to stop the entry of Israeli citizens".
Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited Maldives last year, which was 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals, as per media reports.
Earlier, the Maldives condemned the Israeli strikes in Rafah. "Such deliberate aggression and genocidal acts targeted against civilians are in gross violation of international humanitarian law," stated the Maldives Foreign Ministry.
Last week, Israel carried out strikes in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, killing at least 35 Palestinians. Amid global outrage, Israel bombed the Rafah area again on May 28, killing at least 45 people, according to Palestinian officials.