Maldives Blocks Israeli Entry Amid Gaza Conflict

The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. President Mohammed Muizzu enacted the ban following a cabinet recommendation and announced measures to support Palestinians, including a fundraising campaign and a nationwide rally. Israel's foreign ministry has advised its citizens to avoid the Maldives, and the U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the situation. Critics argue that this move aligns the Maldives with other authoritarian Muslim states and could have negative long-term implications.