The Maldives, a paradise of turquoise waters, boldly bans Israeli passports, making waves in global diplomatic seas, here are some things to know about it.
1
The Maldivian government banned Israeli passport holders as a form of protest against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
2
The Maldivian public expressed anger over the ongoing conflict, pressuring President Muizzu to take action.
3
The ban also received backing from opposition parties and government allies of President Muizzu.
4
The Maldives previously had diplomatic relations with Israel, but efforts to normalise them stalled after a 2012 regime change.
5
Though announced, the ban required legal changes to be implemented, so it wasn't immediate.
6
The ban affected a small portion of Maldivian tourism, around 15,000 visitors from Israel.
7
Alongside the ban, the Maldives launched a fundraising campaign to support Palestinians.