The 13 countries where Israeli tourists aren’t allowed as Maldives brings in new ban
The Maldives joined a growing list of countries that have banned Israeli passport holders due to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The Maldives is introducing a ban on Israeli passports as the country's leader expresses support for the people of Gaza, adding to the list of countries where Israelis are either unable to travel or are strongly advised not to.
President in The Maldives, Mohamed Muizu “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports” while also launching a national fundraising campaign called “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine”.
The ban comes in response to Israel's ongoing strikes on Gaza as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to achieve his goal of "destroying Hamas" after the group's October 7 attack.
Israel's military campaign has caused increasing concern amongst international leaders, many of whom condemned recent strikes on Rafah, southern Gaza.
Following the Maldives ban, an Israel foreign ministry spokesman said: “For Israeli citizens staying in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help.”
READ MORE: Maldives to ban Israeli passport holders from entry in protest over Gaza war
Last year 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives, making up 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals to the country.
The Maldives joins the following countries in banning Israeli passport holders: Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.
The official Israel X account posted "we're good" on X in response to a World of Statistics post listing the countries that have banned Israelis.
In March, Israel's National Security Council warned its people of countries they should not travel to due to safety risks.
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They said that these countries should be avoided: Turkey, Morocco, Egypt (including Sinai) and Jordan.
The warning added that warnings also apply for connecting flights from Syria and Yemen.
Jews and Israelis were told they face the risk of kidnap in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran.
On Iran, the Israeli Security Council said: “In recent years, Iran has expanded its activities to harm Israeli citizens and Jews around the world, both directly and through its agents (proxies) and helpers."
They added that there has been a “continuous trend of heightened threats” against Israelis abroad.
