The Parliament has passed a resolution calling for a ban on Israeli tourists and imports of Israeli products over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The resolution was proposed on October 14, 2023, by Villingili MP Saud Hussein. The resolution was passed unanimously with 41 votes.
The resolution was examined by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the committee's report was sent to the floor today.
During the debate, all MPs condemned Israeli actions while many called to ban the entry of Israeli tourists into the Maldives.
The resolution passed today calls for a ban on Israeli citizens entering Maldives and a ban on importing all goods produced in and exported from Israel.
It also calls for an immediate suspension of any relations between Israel and the Maldives.
Earlier, the Parliament sent a letter to the President's Office recommending a ban on Israeli citizens entering Maldives.
The letter was sent on November 16, 2023. However, the President has not taken any decisions as recommended in the letter.
The President's Office said the Economic and Social Council is currently deliberating on the letter.
During a press conference on January 28, President's Office Public Policy Secretary Abdulla Nazim, in response to a question from Adhadhu, said "discussions on this are underway in the Social Council and the Economic Council."
The letter was approved unanimously by the parliament committee. The vote on the letter was taken following a proposal from MP Ahmed Haitham due to protests outside the Parliament building. The protestors demanded a ban on Israeli tourists.
The latest Israeli aggression which began on October 7 has martyred more than 32,000 people, including more than 17,000 children.
Israeli airstrikes have targeted hospitals, mosques and refugee camps while blocking humanitarian assistance and causing a famine in the north of Gaza.
