Maldives bans entry of Israeli passport holders

The Maldives government decided to ban the entry of Israeli citizens into the island nation, according to a statement by the Maldivian President's office. The South Asian country also announced plans to amend necessary laws to enforce the ban. In addition to the ban, the Maldives appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and announced a fundraising campaign to assist Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

"The Cabinet decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process," the Office of President said, according to AFP.

The Maldives planned to conduct a nationwide rally with the slogan "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine" to show support for Palestinian citizens.