00:00The Maldives has declared a ban on Israeli visitors to its luxurious tourist island,
00:06expressing strong support for the Palestinian people.
00:10President Mohamed Mouizou signed the law shortly after the parliamentary approval on Tuesday.
00:16His office stated the ratification demonstrates the government's unwavering position
00:20against the ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people.
00:28Known for its pristine white beaches and taku's lagoons,
00:34the Maldives is a small Islamic republic made up of 1,192 coral islets.
00:41The Maldives, whose population of 530,000 is more than 98% Muslim,
00:47had previously lifted a ban on Israeli tourists in the early 90s
00:51and briefly sought to restore relations in 2010.
00:55Last year, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to the Maldives.
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