In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry advised its citizens, including dual nationals, to refrain from traveling to the Muslim-majority islands.
The Maldives has announced it will ban Israelis from entering the country amid growing public anger in the Muslim-majority islands over the war in Gaza.
office Maldives President Mohamed Muizz said his cabinet had decided to amend the law to block Israeli passport holders from entering the country and would set up a subcommittee to oversee the process.
The president also said he would appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
In response to the, Israeli The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens and those with dual nationality to refrain from travelling to the Maldives.
It also advised people currently there to consider leaving.
“We encourage Israeli nationals already in Israel to consider leaving the country, as it will be difficult for us to assist them if they find themselves in need for any reason,” the ministry said.
Some 528 Israeli nationals visited the Maldives in the first four months of this year, down from 4,644 in the same period in 2023, according to Maldivian government data.
About 11,000 Israelis visited the archipelago last year, making up 0.6 percent of total tourist numbers.
It came after tens of thousands of protesters Rally in Tel Aviv They held a rally over the weekend to demand the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the immediate release of the hostages.
Thousands call for Netanyahu to resign
An estimated 120,000 people took to the streets to demand the ruling coalition accept a ceasefire agreement outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday, in what was believed to be the largest demonstration against Netanyahu’s government.
The agreement provides for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the phased release of hostages captured during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Gaza.
read more:
What is a ceasefire and how does it work?
Is Biden’s Gaza gamble a diplomatic feat?
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah amid growing criticism over the loss of civilian life and destruction in the nearly eight-month war with Hamas.
Israel says about 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, plus the bodies of about 30 more.
