COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The government of the Maldives will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, as public anger grows in the predominantly Muslim country over the war in Gaza.
The president’s office said Sunday that the Cabinet has decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.
It said President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said in response that the Foreign Ministry recommends that Israelis avoid travel to the Maldives, including those with foreign passports, and those currently there to consider leaving .
Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, accounting for 0.6% of total tourist arrivals.
