Maldives bans Israelis to protest Gaza war

The Maldives has banned Israelis from entering the country in protest against Israel’s war on Gaza and in “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people.

President Mohamed Muizzu signed the legislation on Monday after it was passed by the People’s Majlis, the Maldivian parliament.

Muizzu’s cabinet initially decided to ban all Israeli passport holders from the idyllic island nation in June 2024 until Israel stops its attacks on Palestine, but progress on the legislation stalled.

A bill was presented in May 2024 in the Maldivian parliament by Meekail Ahmed Naseem, a lawmaker from the main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party, which sought to amend the country’s Immigration Act. 

The cabinet then decided to change the country’s laws to ban Israeli passport holders, including dual citizens. After several amendments, it passed this week, over 300 days later. (Middle East Eye)