Maldives decides to ban Israeli passport holder to protest ongoing Gaza crisis
Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the Island Nation amid public outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza.
The decision was announced by Home Minister Ali Ihusan, in an emergency press briefing at the President’s Office late Sunday afternoon, reported Sun Online International.
Ihusan said the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting.
“The cabinet decided today to make the legal amendments necessary to ban entry into the Maldives on Israeli passports as soon as possible,” he was quoted as saying by the news portal.
According to reports, Maldives records arrival of over one million tourist arrivals each year which include 15,000 tourists from Israel.
The decision by the Maldivian government to ban Israeli passports comes after Meekail Ahmed Naseem, a lawmaker from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), submitted an amendment to Immigration Act last week, to bar the entry of Israeli citizens, reported Sun Online International.
Maldives is an Islamic Republic known for its sandy white beaches and shallow turquoise lagoons which attract tourists from across the globe every year.
Israel began Gaza invasion after Hamas launched an attack on October 7 which left 1,200 people dead.
At least 240 people were taken as hostages by Hamas members.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Countdown to another Iran-Israel war? Tehran readies to 'fire 2,000 missiles in one go'
Jerusalem/IBNS: A renewed Iran-Israel war may be just a matter of time, according to a report published by The New York Times on Sunday.
Christians in Bangladesh 'anxious' after bomb attacks on churches, catholic school
Dhaka/IBNS: Amid growing concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh, the country’s Christian community has been left deeply alarmed after three crude bomb attacks targeted two Catholic churches and a Christian school over the past few weeks, according to a report by AFP.
Activists condemn Pakistan's decades-long suppression of the Baloch people during BNM event in Berlin
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, to mark Baloch Martyrs’ Day, drawing political activists, human rights advocates, and members of the Baloch diaspora from several countries.
US Senate advances bill to end 40-day government shutdown, restore federal services
Washington/IBNS: After a gruelling 40 days of halted services, delayed aid, and widespread disruption, the U.S. Senate on Sunday took a crucial step toward reopening the federal government.
Latest News
8 dead, 24 injured as car explosion near Red Fort rocks Delhi; forensic teams probe terror angle
At least 5 dead, several injured in explosion in parked car near Delhi's Red Fort
VVIP treatment to terrorists? Bengaluru jail chief transferred, 2 suspended after videos show inmates partying, using phones
Countdown to another Iran-Israel war? Tehran readies to 'fire 2,000 missiles in one go'