Maldives Bans Entry to Israeli Passport Holders

June 4, 2024

Because of rising tensions and popular displeasure over recent events in Gaza, the Maldives has banned visitors with Israeli passports. Under pressure from the people and the government, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the choice his Cabinet told him to. The ban is in line with replies around the world and has caused reactions around the world.

What is the reason behind it?

The Incident Prompting the Ban: President Muizzu criticized the Israeli airstrike that killed 45 people in a tent camp in Rafah that had been marked as a “safe zone.” A lot of people in the Maldives were angry about this attack.
Presidential Actions and Public Response: Following the Rafah incident, President Muizzu announced a ban on Israeli passport holders, alongside initiating a national fundraising campaign for Palestinians and organizing a solidarity rally named “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”.
Legal and Political Adjustments: The Maldivian Cabinet’s job is to change the laws to make the ban official and set up a panel to monitor the process. President Muizzu said that these steps show that the government agrees with calls for following international law.
International Impact: After the ban, the Israeli Foreign Ministry told its people not to go to the Maldives and told those already there to think about leaving because there isn’t much help available right now. This advisory talks about what the Maldives’ choice means for world politics.
Historical Context and Normalisation Efforts: Maldives had lifted a similar ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s, and in 2010, steps were taken to restore formal ties. There were problems with these attempts after President Mohamed Nasheed was removed from office in 2012.

Comparative International Standpoints

Many other countries also make it hard for people with Israeli passports to enter. This is a sign of larger geopolitical issues that affect many countries. Algeria, Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia all have similar bans, which shows that a lot of people in some areas don’t like Israeli policies.

About Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine

‘Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine’ reflects the support from the Maldives towards Palestinian autonomy. Historically, the Maldives has consistently supported Palestine in international forums, such as the United Nations. The Maldives ceased its trade relations with Israel in 2014 as a protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Maldivian educational scholarships have been offered to Palestinian students, and diplomatic relations were established with Palestine in 1989. The Maldives officially recognized the State of Palestine on September 1, 1988, and maintains an embassy in Ramallah.

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