Maldives govt vows to take every step in support of Palestine

President's Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed has said that the Maldives will take all necessary steps for the Palestinian people and is the most vocal advocate for Palestine in the international arena.

She said this at a press conference held at the President’s Office, when a journalist asked why the government has not yet decided on the ban on Israeli passports.

Heena, who sidestepped the question said Maldives is doing more for Palestine than any other country.

Heena said Maldives is ready to take any steps necessary for the sake of the Palestinian people.

"We are ready to take any step," Heena said when asked repeatedly about the ban of Israeli passports.

When previously asked what the government's views were on banning Israeli citizens from entering the country, it had said the matter was under discussion.

Asked by Atoll Times at a press conference earlier this month what the government's views were on Israelis entering Maldives, Heena had then too said that the government would always stand in defense of the Palestinian people.

At the same conference, when asked about the government's stance on Israeli passport banning, Heena said preparations were underway so that the 20th Parliament can look into the matter.

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

The previous parliament, which concluded on Tuesday, passed a resolution calling for a ban on the import of Israeli products to the Maldives, which would also prevent Israelis from entering the country, following the ongoing onslaught and genocide across the Gaza strip.