The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group leader Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has refused to respond to criticism after describing Israel's ongoing genocide against the Palestinians as a "matter between two countries."
When asked to respond to the criticism during a press briefing today, Falah said he would not comment because it was "off topic."
"I will not talk about that today because it is not related to the topic," he said.
At a press conference held by the 75-member PNC parliamentary group after the swearing-in ceremony of MPs for the 20th People's Majlis on May 28, journalists questioned about the policy on banning the entry of Israeli tourists.
After facing repeated questions, Falah, at first, said he was unable to comment as the Parliament did not have much information on the issue.
"On the issue of Israel, as you know, this is a matter between two major foreign countries. The government will send the best proposal [to the Parliament] and we will hopefully decide what needs to be done in the way that is most beneficial to the people and the country," he said.
His comment drew criticism on social media platforms and many people called for a public apology. Since then, the government has decided to bring changes to laws to ban the entry of Israeli tourists into the Maldives.
