Male: In another diplomatic setback for the far right Zionist regime in Israel, Maldives has decided to impose ban on Israeli passports.
The decision taken by the cabinet in a meeting Sunday June 02, 2024 requires amendment in the country’s laws. Hence, the cabinet also gave its nod to make the necessary amendment, according to a statement released by the Maldivian President Office.
“President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports”, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced at a news conference held at the President's Office.
“The Cabinet decision includes amending necessary laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives and establishing a Cabinet subcommittee to oversee these efforts”, he said.
‘Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine’
Ali further said that the Maldivian President has also decided to appoint a Special Envoy to assess the Palestinian humanitarian aid.
“The President further decided to set up a fundraising campaign to assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Near East and to conduct a nationwide rally under the slogan "Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin”, which translates to "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine" to show support”, the minister said.
The Israeli Occupation Forces backed by the United States have massacred more than 36,000 Palestinians since Oct 07, 2023 despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order and UN General Assembly and UNSC resolutions calling for immediate ceasefire.
Protesting the Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, a number of countries have cut ties with Israel and some even recalled their envoys.
Israel asks its citizens to leave Maldives
Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Israeli citizens currently staying in the Maldives to consider leaving the country, following the Maldivian government’s announcement of a decision to amend its laws to ban Israeli nationals from entering the island country.
“If Israelis who are currently in the Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them,” the Ministry said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.
The ministry also recommended that Israeli citizens refrain from travelling to the Muslim-majority island nation, even if they hold a second passport from another country.
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