Maldives imposes entry ban on Israeli passport holders

THE Maldives has formally amended its immigration laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country, escalating its protest against Israel's military operations in Gaza.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI [e-mail]

The move, announced by President Mohamed Muizzu's administration this week, is part of a broader campaign signalling the island nation's staunch support for the Palestinian cause.

The new regulation, which took effect immediately, prohibits the entry of all travellers holding Israeli passports. However, it stops short of banning Israeli citizens with dual nationality, provided they enter using a passport from a different country. The law, originally proposed nearly a year ago, gained momentum after intensified Israeli military activity in Gaza and growing international criticism of civilian casualties.