Maldives govt still "discussing" banning Israel passports

Without directly divulging the government's stand on banning Israelis from entering the country, the government on Monday said it was discussing the issue when asked what the government's view was on 'banning' Israeli passports.

At a press conference held at the President's Office, spokesperson Heena Waleed, when asked by Atoll Times about the government's stand on the entry of Israelis into the Maldives, Heena said the government will always defend the Palestinian people.

Heena said the Palestinian people are very close brothers and sisters of the Maldivians and it is the stand of this government to shape things so that the rights of the Palestinian people are not violated.

“That is the stand that Maldives has always taken. And that is what this government is talking about,” Heena said.

Referring to housing minister Dr Ali Haider's recent statement at the UN General Assembly and Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem's defence of Palestine at the OIC meeting, Heena said the Maldives has always advocated for an independent Palestinian state.

“In fact, we will do whatever the government has to do to protect the Palestinian people,” she said.

Asked repeatedly what the government’s stand is on the ban on Israeli passports, Heena said they are looking into what can be done about it by the time the 20th parliament begins next month.

"In the meantime, we will do a little bit of research and also a little bit of in-depth consultation with those who need to be consulted, and we will take whatever stand we have to take on behalf of the Palestinian people”.

Heena said the government will stand in defense of the Palestinian people.

The Parliament has passed a resolution calling for a ban on the import of Israeli products and preventing Israelis from coming to Maldives after thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed in Israel's inhuman attacks on Palestinian land since last October.

The parliament also sent a letter to the President’s Office last November recommending a ban on Israeli citizens from entering the country.

While the people continue demanding protection of the rights of Palestinians, raising anti-Israel slogans, an Israeli who had recently gone on a holiday to K.Thulusdhoo has been thrown out of the island by the residents. This sparked a debate as it went against the hospitable nature of Maldivians and their love for tourists. Some said on social media that such an incident would not have happened if the Israeli tourist had been banned from entry at the airport itself, or better yet, prior to arrival. While upholding loyalty with the Palestinians, Maldivians do not wish to mistreat an individual based on race, as these are diplomatic stands the government must make.