In a powerful show of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the Maldives has announced a complete ban on the entry of Israeli nationals to the island nation. The legislation, passed by the Maldivian Parliament earlier today, was swiftly ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, who described the move as a “resolute” response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a statement issued from the President’s Office, the government declared:
“The ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.”
The decision marks one of the most significant political gestures by the Maldives in recent years, aligning the luxury tourist destination with growing international condemnation of Israel’s military actions. The President’s Office further emphasised that the Maldives “reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause”, underscoring the deep-rooted support for Palestinian rights that has long resonated across Maldivian society.
A spokesperson for President Muizzu confirmed to AFP that the ban will be enforced with immediate effect and that Israeli nationals will no longer be permitted to enter the archipelago.
The Maldives, renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, has previously maintained diplomatic distance from Israel, and today’s decision formalises a complete severance in tourism ties. Though Israel accounts for only a small portion of the Maldives’ tourist arrivals, the symbolism of the move carries considerable weight on the global stage.
The announcement aligns the Maldives with a number of other countries that have voiced staunch support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict. South Africa, for instance, has taken a leading role in accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and has severed diplomatic ties. Bolivia also cut relations with Israel, condemning its military campaign in Gaza. Turkey has consistently issued sharp rebukes of Israeli actions, while Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria, and Pakistan have all maintained strong diplomatic backing for Palestine, often calling for international intervention and justice.
In the Arab world, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt have taken active roles in mediating ceasefires and delivering humanitarian aid while continuing to criticise Israel’s handling of the conflict. Iran, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a firm backer of Palestinian resistance, both diplomatically and rhetorically.
The Maldives now joins this growing bloc of nations seeking tangible action in response to the crisis. The announcement has been met with support from pro-Palestinian activists and many across the Maldivian population, who view the ban as a moral imperative and a call for justice.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the Maldives has stood firm in its message: solidarity must extend beyond words. In taking this decisive step, the country reinforces its commitment to human rights and joins a widening international front demanding accountability, dignity, and freedom for the Palestinian people.
