Showing Solidarity with Maldives and Palestine
Fundraising Event Also in Preparation
As the Israeli military continues its attacks on the Gaza Strip in Palestine, the Maldives, known for its resorts, has decided to ban entry to holders of Israeli passports. On the 2nd (local time), US CNN and other media outlets reported, citing a press release from the Maldivian presidential office, that "President Mohamed Muizzu decided to impose a ban on Israeli entry following the cabinet's recommendation." The Maldives, an Islamic country, stated that it plans to amend relevant laws and establish a subcommittee within the cabinet to oversee related matters.
In addition, the Maldives has proposed measures to assist Palestine. President Muizzu is said to have appointed a special envoy to assess Palestine's needs and is preparing a fundraising event in cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He also plans to hold a nationwide rally under the slogan "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine."
Earlier last month, President Muizzu criticized the Israeli military, which is at war with the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, for attacking a refugee camp in Rafah, the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip. On the 26th of last month, the Israeli military airstruck the Tal al-Sultan refugee camp in western Rafah. The Gaza Strip Ministry of Health reported that at least 45 people, including 23 women and elderly, were killed in the airstrike.
Two days after the airstrike, President Muizzu strongly condemned the deadly attack by the Israeli military targeting the Rafah camp where Palestinian refugees had taken shelter via X (formerly Twitter). He stated, "Israel must comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. No country is exempt from international law." He added, "Together with the Maldivian government and people, I call for an immediate ceasefire, cessation of violence, and unhindered humanitarian access."
Regarding the entry ban, Israel advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to the Maldives. It also noted that this advisory applies to Israelis with dual nationality. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "citizens currently staying in the Maldives are advised to consider leaving, as it would be difficult for us to provide assistance if any problems arise for any reason."
Meanwhile, the Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, is an archipelagic country consisting of about 1,192 islands. Of these, about 1,000 are uninhabited, and the remaining approximately 100 islands operate as resorts. The population is around 500,000, the vast majority of whom are Muslim, with Sunni Islam as the state religion.
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