MP Falah urges consultation with Palestine, Arab nations on proposed Israeli passport ban
The People's National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah has called for consultations with Palestinian and Arab leaders before deciding on a proposed ban on Israeli passport holders entering the Maldives.
During a meeting of Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services (Committee 241), Falah emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating the potential implications of such a ban.
He stressed the need to assess how this decision might impact Palestine and whether it would bring any tangible benefit or relief to the Palestinian people.
I believe we need to get a word from Palestine. They too have leaders
Said MP Falah
“,” said Falah.
We must ask them the extent to which banning the entry of Israelis into the Maldives will benefit them and whether there is any relief or happiness they stand to gain from it. And we must also consult with relevant institutions in Arab countries and other large countries and seek their advice and opinion.
He added
He also highlighted the presence of thousands of Muslims residing in Israel, suggesting that the views of other Arab nations should be factored into the decision-making process. Falah cautioned against rushing the bill “for political gain” and urged the committee to conduct thorough discussions before finalizing any legislation.
Falah engaged Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, a lawmaker from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), asking for his perspective on the matter.
Ghafoor responded by stating,
This is not about MDP saying something. This is about the government coming out and announcing that they will ban Israeli passports.
MP Ghafoor stated
He also warned that the PNC administration should avoid making promises it cannot fulfill.
The committee decided to gather input from various stakeholders, including political parties, government ministries, the Maldives Immigration, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), and relevant NGOs. Additionally, data on Israeli tourists visiting the Maldives will be reviewed as part of the consultation process.
The proposal comes amid rising public anger over the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, with protests erupting in Male’ City demanding action against Israeli citizens entering the country.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel's ongoing genocide on Palestinians have resulted in the deaths of over 44,179 Palestinians, including numerous women and children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
More than 104,473 individuals have been injured, with over 11,000 still missing.
The violence has caused extensive destruction, displacement, and malnutrition, while Israeli bombings in Lebanon have also claimed thousands of lives in violation of international law.
The ruling PNC-majority committee aims to conclude deliberations on the bill by February next year.
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