Interesting Facts about Maldives, Country That Bans Israeli Tourists from Visiting Defend Palestine
Maldives or Maldives announced that it would ban visits by Israeli citizens. This was done as a form of solidarity with Palestine. As is known, Israel is still carrying out genocide in Palestine and has killed more than 38,500 civilians, the victims are predominantly women and children.
This policy was announced on Sunday (2/6) local time. Reporting from Al Jazeera, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has decided to impose a ban on Israeli passports, according to a spokesman. However, it is not yet certain when the new policy will take effect. Muizzu also announced a national fundraising campaign called "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine". Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, or the equivalent of 0.6 percent of total tourist arrivals.
Official data shows the number of Israelis visiting the Maldives fell to 528 in the four months of 2024, down 88 percent compared to the same period last year.
Opposition parties and government allies in the Maldives have put pressure on Muizzu to ban Israeli citizens as a sign of protest against the genocide in Gaza. In response to the ban, a spokesperson for Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged its citizens currently in the Maldives to leave the Maldives.
"For Israeli citizens living in the country, it is advisable to consider leaving, because if they experience difficulties for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help," he said, as reported by Al Jazeera. Israeli passport holders are also not permitted to enter countries such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.
Interesting Facts Maldives
Interesting Facts about Maldives, a Country That Bans Israeli Tourists from Visiting to Defend Palestine/Photo: Unsplash.com/Rayyu Maldives
It's no longer a secret that the natural beauty of this country is captivating. However, did you know that the Maldives is the country with the highest percentage of Muslims with 100 percent of the population?
Yes, apparently the country's favorite destination for couples on their honeymoon is that the entire population is Muslim, Beauties. Maldives is famous for its array of beautiful white sand beaches. Apart from that, the Maldives is also a favorite country as a world diving destination. This island nation in South Asia rents out its small islands for resorts and private ownership.
The majority of the Maldives population is Muslim
Interesting Facts about the Maldives, a Country That Bans Israeli Tourists from Visiting to Defend Palestine/Photo: pexels.com/Asad Photo Maldives
There are several rules that tourists must obey when vacationing in the Maldives. The following are the regulations as reported by CNN Indonesia:
1. If it is not on a resort island, it is best not to display affection with your partner.
2. The use of swimwear, such as bikinis, is limited to resort islands or cruise ships.
3. Avoid drinking tap water, because it is not guaranteed to be clean.
4. Planes or ships from or to the Maldives may be delayed due to bad weather.
5. Nature is the main resource for the Maldivian population, whether for the tourism or fishing sectors. Remind yourself not to enjoy tourism that is not environmentally friendly while you are there, such as touching coral reefs while diving.
6. Buying and selling coral and turtles is a prohibited activity.
7. Just like drugs, alcohol, pork, dogs, are prohibited things to bring into the Maldives.
8. Maintain good manners, especially when coming on holiday on Islamic holidays such as Ramadan or Eid.
The Flattest Country in the World
Interesting Facts about Maldives, a Country That Bans Israeli Tourists from Visiting to Defend Palestine/Photo: (Kurnia/detikTravel)
Apart from being a favorite destination for tourists, Maldives apparently has an interesting fact, namely that it is recorded as the lowest and flattest country in the world. According to the Guinness World Records, the maximum height of the Maldives is 2.4 meters above sea level.
Another interesting fact, in 2009, the then president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, held a meeting of all cabinet ministers at the bottom of the sea. The goal is to raise awareness about the dangers facing the world's oceans, and how humans are disrupting freshwater resources.
Unfortunately, the country has serious problems related to global warming and climate change. Climate change is so severe, sea water there continues to rise and is predicted to make the Maldives sink.
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