Maldives will ban Israelis from entering country

The Maldives government will ban Israelis from the Indian Ocean archipelago, known for luxury resorts, as public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation rises over the war in Gaza.

The President’s office said Sunday that the Cabinet decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.

It said President Mohamed Muizu would appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, responded that the Foreign Ministry recommends that Israelis avoid traveling to the Maldives, including those with foreign passports, and that those currently there consider leaving.

Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited Maldives last year, 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals.