Malaysia has imposed a blanket ban on all Israelis participating in events hosted by the nation, as the government maintains its decision to ban Israeli athletes from taking part in the World Para Swimming Championships in July.

Malaysia’s Cabinet decided last week that Israelis will not be allowed to enter the country for any event, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said on Wednesday.

“Even if we have already committed to hosting an event, they will not be allowed (into the country),” he said in a recording of a press conference. “Secondly, Malaysia will not host any event that has representation from or participation of Israel.” Thousands in Malaysia and Indonesia took to the streets last December to protest U.S. decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Mr. Abdullah said Malaysia will continue to take a strong position on the plight of the Palestinians, which Malaysia considers to be a humanitarian crisis.