Maldives bans entry of Israeli passport holders: ‘In Solidarity with Palestine’; Israeli embassy in India suggests beautiful alternatives in India

From India Today and News 18

The Maldives government has decided to impose a ban on the entry of Israeli citizens from entering the island nation, a statement by the Maldivian President’s office said. The South Asian nation will also amend necessary laws to ban the entry of Israeli cities into the country, the statement added.

The archipelago nation also appointed a special envoy to assess the Palestinian needs. It further announced setting up a fundraising campaign to assist Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The island nation has also decided to conduct a nationwide rally with the slogan “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine” to show support for the Palestinian citizens.

The decision was formally announced by the country’s Homeland Security and Technology Minister, Ali Ihusan, following a cabinet meeting under the leadership of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at his 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,” a statement by the Maldives President’s office read.

Speaking to the media, Ihusaan said that a government process has been initiated to amend the country’s law to stop the entry of Israeli citizens.

The Israeli embassy in India on Monday told its citizens to visit beaches in India after the Maldives government announced that it will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago.

“Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality. Check out these recommendations (from the Israeli embassy in India), based on the places visited by our diplomats,” a post by the Israeli embassy said.

“Thanks to the Maldives Government’s decision, Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of Lakshadweep,” Shoshani said in a tweet, resharing the photo and the post shared by PM Modi in January.

Israel’s foreign ministry also asked its citizens to avoid travel to Maldives. “In light of the Maldives government’s decision to ban the entry of citizens with Israeli passports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Israeli citizens avoid any travel to the Maldives,” it said.

“The recommendation is also valid for Israeli citizens holding a foreign passport, in addition to the Israeli passport. For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.