COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The Maldives government plans to ban Israelis from entering the Indian Ocean archipelago, known for its luxury resorts, as the war in Gaza heightens public anger in the Muslim-majority country.
The president's office said Sunday that the cabinet had decided to amend the law to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.
President Mohamed Muiz said he would appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmostain said in response that the Israeli Foreign Ministry advises people, including those with foreign passports and those currently there, to avoid travel to the Maldives.
Last year, about 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, representing 0.6% of all tourists.
