[Maldives] Maldives, Holiday Destination, Set to Bar Israeli Passport Holders from Entry

“Sow in peace, and reap a harvest of righteousness, for there is evil in contention.”

The U.S. CNN reported on the 2nd (local time) that the Maldives, an Islamic island nation in the Indian Ocean, has decided to ban entry to Israeli passport holders as a sign of solidarity with Palestine. The Maldives President’s Office issued a press release and announced that President Mohamed Muizzu decided to ban the entry of Israelis following the Cabinet’s recommendation.

The President’s Office said it plans to revise related laws and create a subcommittee in the Cabinet to oversee related issues. In addition, the Maldives also came up with a plan to help Palestine. President Muizzu appointed a special envoy and said he was organizing a fund-raising event with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) “for our brothers and sisters in Palestine.”

He is also said to be planning to hold a nationwide rally under the slogan ‘Maldives in solidarity with Palestine’.  Previously, President Muizzu strongly condemned the attack last month on a refugee camp in Rafah, the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, by the Israeli military, which is at war with the Palestinian armed faction Hamas.

Two days later, President Muizzu posted a message on X (old Twitter) emphasising, “I strongly condemn the deadly Israeli attack on the Rafa camp where Palestinian refugees were taking refuge. Israel must follow the decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). No country can be exempt from international law.”

He added, “I join the government and people of the Maldives in calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence and unimpeded humanitarian access.” Concerning this entry ban, Israel advised its citizens to refrain from travelling to the Maldives and that this recommendation also applies to Israelis with dual citizenship.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on this day, “We recommend that citizens already staying in the Maldives consider leaving the country as it will be difficult for us to assist if a problem arises for any reason.” The Maldives, which is made up of about 1,200 islands and is famous for holiday resorts, has a population of about 500,000, the vast majority of which are Muslims, and Sunni Islam is the state religion. (Source: Yonhap News Synthesis)

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:16-18)

God, pray the current situation of defending the Islamic state Palestinians while banning the entry of Israeli passport holders by the hard-line Muslim nation Maldives which does not allow any religion other than Islam may not be the case of adding fuel to the conflict between Palestine and Israel. May You reveal the gospel of the cross in all areas filled with quarrels and shadows of darkness, and guide them on the way to meet the Lord who is the wisdom from above, so they may receive life. In the Maldives, where the truth is scarce, let the churches and saints that is the body of Christ preach the gospel and sow peace through lives free from prejudice and lies and they may reap righteous fruits.

Prayer 24·365
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