In a decisive move reflecting unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act, officially banning Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The amendment, swiftly passed by Parliament and enacted on Tuesday, marks a significant policy shift and comes as a direct response to what the Maldivian government describes as Israel’s ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide against the Palestinian people.
The President’s Office released a statement shortly after ratification, strongly condemning Israel’s military actions and reaffirming the Maldives’ “enduring commitment to the promotion and protection of Palestinian rights.” The government pledged to continue advocating for accountability through international legal and diplomatic forums, citing clear violations of international law by Israeli forces.
President Muizzu has long voiced support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. His administration maintains that Israel’s policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have consistently undermined peace and stability in the region, obstructing any meaningful path toward a lasting resolution.
“The government of the Maldives stands in full solidarity with the Palestinian people,” the statement read, reiterating the country’s “unwavering and unconditional support for their right to self-determination and other inalienable rights.”
This latest policy decision comes amid mounting international outrage over civilian casualties in Gaza, as the humanitarian toll from Israel’s military campaign continues to escalate. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 50,983 Palestinians have been killed and 116,274 injured since hostilities began on October 7, 2023. The Government Media Office in Gaza has since updated the death toll to over 61,700, noting that thousands more remain buried beneath the rubble.
With this amendment, the Maldives joins a growing number of nations taking more forceful stances in response to the deepening crisis in Gaza, signaling a firm foreign policy alignment with the Palestinian cause and a clear condemnation of Israeli military operations.
The government has also reiterated its commitment to work closely with international partners and multilateral organizations to ensure justice for Palestinian victims, while continuing to champion human rights and international legal norms.