News DeskAn Israeli female tourist, clutching her Israeli passport, was recently ejected from an inhabited island near Malé, igniting a fierce debate in the Maldives, a nation synonymous with warm hospitality. This incident has thrust into the spotlight the contentious issue of Israeli tourism in a country deeply entwined with the geopolitics of the Middle East.
After October 7th, 2023, when the Maldives People’s Assembly Majlis called upon the President to ban Israeli passports, the issue has gained traction. Yet, despite resounding public outcry, governmental action remains conspicuously absent.
At the core of this dispute lies the protracted conflict between Israel and Palestine, casting its shadow even over distant shores. During the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Gambia, the Maldives vehemently condemned what it perceives as Israel’s egregious actions in Palestine. Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, speaking as a special representative of the President, underscored the imperative for Muslim unity in addressing Palestinian plight.
Echoing this sentiment, Islamic Minister Mohammed Shaheem Ali Saeed reiterated the Maldives’ unwavering support for Palestine, advocating for its full membership in the United Nations. However, despite fervent rhetoric, concrete measures to alleviate Palestinian suffering have remained elusive.
“We are a family of 57 countries. A population of more than a billion people that is growing day by day. Then why are we so unable to help our Muslim brothers in other parts of the world?” questioned a Head of the Maldives delegation, encapsulating the palpable frustration within the OIC.
This sentiment underscores the impotence felt by many Islamic nations in the face of global crises, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite six months of fervent calls for action, substantive progress remains elusive, leaving many disillusioned both in the Maldives and beyond.
Against this tumultuous backdrop, the question of Israeli tourism in the Maldives remains unresolved. With Ministry of Tourism records outdated and lacking official statistics on their website since 2020, the issue festers beneath the surface, awaiting decisive government action.
Shameem’s impassioned inquiry resonates deeply: “Why can’t we stop the massacre in Palestine? Why can’t we demand the world take strong action against it?” However, amidst the fervor, there remains a noticeable absence of concrete proposals from the Maldives to address the Palestinian crisis or alleviate the suffering of its people. As the Maldivian populace eagerly awaits tangible governmental action, the question of banning Israeli passports looms large, underscoring the urgency for decisive measures to match rhetoric with action.
