Maldives says it will ban Israelis from entering the country, citing Gaza war

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 says 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.

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

In December, Israel issued a travel warning to Israelis against visiting the Maldives, citing increased anti-Israel sentiment during the war with Hamas. The warning came “due to the heightened anti-Israel atmosphere, including public comments by officials.”

Israel does not have diplomatic ties with the Muslim-majority nation, but Israelis had been allowed to visit the country famed for its island atolls.