Maldives Bans Israeli Passport Holders: A Stand for Palestinians or Diplomatic Harm?

Maldives
Israeli tourists visiting the Maldives dropped significantly from last year, with only 528 Israeli nationals visiting during the first four months of 2024.
Maldives bans Israeli passport holders from entering the country in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing war in Gaza.
President Mohamed Muizzu made this decision following a recommendation from his cabinet and condemned Israel's recent strike on Rafah in southern Gaza, which led to the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians.
The decision by the Maldives is not an isolated one, as several other countries have also banned Israeli passport holders from entering their territories.
Maldives Bans Israeli Passport Holders: A Stand for Palestinians or Diplomatic Harm?

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its luxury resorts, has announced that it will ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing war in Gaza.

President Mohamed Muizzu made this decision following a recommendation from his cabinet and condemned Israel's recent strike on Rafah in southern Gaza, which led to the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians. The president also announced that he will appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs, launch a fundraising campaign to assist them, and hold a nationwide rally under the slogan 'Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.'

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Israeli citizens not to travel to the Maldives and for any currently there to leave due to potential difficulties in case of distress. The number of Israeli tourists visiting the Maldives dropped significantly from last year, with only 528 Israeli nationals visiting during the first four months of 2024.

The decision by the Maldives is not an isolated one, as several other countries have also banned Israeli passport holders from entering their territories. These include Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

The Maldives is a Muslim island nation with Islam as its state religion and requires citizens to be Muslim. The propagation of any religion other than Islam is a criminal offense. The country's constitution also designates the president as a follower of Sunni Islam.

This move by the Maldives has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the government for taking a stand against Israel and others criticizing it for being biased and potentially harming diplomatic relations. The United States, which is one of the largest donors to the Maldives, has provided $36 million in bilateral foreign assistance since 2018.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It's unclear if any other countries have recently lifted their ban on Israeli passport holders.
  • The number of Israeli tourists visiting the Maldives before 2024 is not provided.

Sources

82%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Maldives bans Israelis from entering country during war in Gaza

Fox News Media Greg Norman Monday, 03 June 2024 20:50
  • Unique Points
    • The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country.
    • President Mohammed Muizzu enacted the ban following a recommendation from his cabinet.
    • Israeli citizens already in the Maldives are recommended to consider leaving due to potential difficulties in case of distress.
  • Accuracy
    • President Mohamed Muizu appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of the Maldives banning Israelis. The article also uses emotional manipulation by stating 'protesters face deportation after participating in disruptive anti-Israel demonstrations' and 'Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine'. Furthermore, the article implies facts without linking to peer-reviewed studies or retracted studies regarding UNRWA employees participating in Hamas attacks.
    • The Indian Ocean tourist destination Maldives is now banning Israelis from entering its territory in an apparent retaliatory move over the war in Gaza.
    • The President further decided to set up a fundraising campaign to assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and to conduct a nationwide rally under the slogan ‘Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin,’ which translates to ‘Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine’ to show support.
    • President Mohammed Muizzu enacted the ban this week following a recommendation from his cabinet.
    • Israeli soldiers, left, are seen working on a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border on May 29. The Maldives, right, has now banned Israelis from entering the country.
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting the Maldives government's statement and the UNRWA's allegations. However, no formal fallacies or dichotomous depictions are present in the article.
    • The government of the predominantly Muslim island nation announced that President Mohammed Muizzu enacted the ban this week following a recommendation from his cabinet.
    • UNRWA has recently faced allegations that some of its employees participated in Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which launched the war in Gaza.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author expresses a clear bias towards the Palestinian cause by reporting on the Maldives' decision to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The author also quotes statements from Maldivian officials that express support for Palestinians and condemn Israel. Additionally, there is a quote from a leading rabbi that criticizes Europe for not addressing antisemitism before recognizing a Palestinian state, which could be seen as an anti-Palestinian bias but it's not directly related to the article's topic.
    • Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of The Congress of Christian Leaders, also responded to the ban by saying, 'If the Maldives aren’t safe for Israelis then they aren’t safe for any of us.'
      • The Indian Ocean tourist destination Maldives is now banning Israeli passport holders from entering its territory in an apparent retaliatory move over the war in Gaza.
        • The President further decided to set up a fundraising campaign to assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and to conduct a nationwide rally under the slogan ‘Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin,’ which translates to ‘Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine’ to show support.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        100%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Maldives will ban Israelis from entering the country over the war in Gaza

        The Associated Press News Sunday, 02 June 2024 15:18
        • Unique Points
          • The Maldives government will ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country.
          • President Mohamed Muizu appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
          • Public anger in the Maldives over the war in Gaza led to this decision.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        85%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Why Has Maldives Banned Israeli Passport Holders? What Happens Now

        NDTV News Monday, 03 June 2024 08:45
        • Unique Points
          • President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives has banned the entry of visitors with Israeli passports
          • The decision to ban Israeli passport holders is a sign of protest against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and growing pressure from Opposition parties and government allies
          • Israeli passport holders are not allowed to enter several other countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (30%)
          The article does not disclose sources and therefore SourcesDisclosed is false. There is no overt author opinion or editorializing in the text, so no points are deducted for those. However, there are a few instances of deception by omission and selective reporting.
          • The Maldives has banned the entry of visitors with Israeli passports amid growing public anger over its ongoing war in Gaza.
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (95%)
          The author of the article is expressing support for the Maldives' decision to ban Israeli passport holders and condemning Israel's actions in Gaza. This demonstrates a clear political bias against Israel.
          • "Strongly condemn the deadly attack by Israeli forces on the tent camp in Rafah, where displaced Palestinians were taking shelter. Israel must abide by the ICJ rulings. No country is exempt from international law. Together with the Government and people of Maldives, I call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence and unhindered humanitarian access,"
            • "The decision -- a sign of protest against Israel's ongoing war in Gaza -- to ban Israeli passport holders comes amid growing pressure on President Muizzu from Opposition parties as well as his allies in the government."
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            95%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Maldives to ban Israelis from entering country as protest over Gaza war

            USA Today Monday, 03 June 2024 00:00
            • Unique Points
              • The Maldives announced plans to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country.
              • Mohamed Muizzu, president of the Maldives, previously condemned Israel for the strike and called for an immediate ceasefire and end to violence.
              • Muizzu also announced the creation of a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs, a fundraising campaign to assist Palestinians, and a nationwide rally under the slogan ‘Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.’
              • Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Israeli citizens not to travel to the Maldives and for any currently there to leave due to potential difficulties in case of distress.
              • Muizzu made this announcement on X, formerly Twitter.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Bias (75%)
              The author demonstrates political bias by focusing on the Maldives' decision to ban Israeli passport holders while not providing any context or explanation for this decision. The author also includes a quote from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs which reflects negatively on Israel. Additionally, there is an emphasis on the Maldives' actions in support of Palestine without balancing it with any actions or statements by Israel.
              • ...the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a Facebook post that it is advising Israeli citizens to avoid traveling to the country, and for any Israeli citizens currently in the Maldives to leave,
                • . The Maldives announced plans to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Indian Ocean island nation...
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                81%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Maldives to ban Israelis from entering country amid war in Gaza

                CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language CNN staff Sunday, 02 June 2024 19:09
                • Unique Points
                  • President Muizzu appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
                  • , Maldives has announced it will ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country.
                  • President condemned an Israeli airstrike attack on a displaced camp in Rafah that killed at least 45 Palestinians and injured over 200
                  • President called for an immediate ceasefire, end to violence, and unhindered humanitarian access
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (10%)
                  The article contains editorializing and emotional manipulation by using phrases like 'war on Hamas in Gaza' and 'condemned an Israeli airstrike attack'. The author also uses the phrase 'assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine', which is emotionally manipulative language. The article also selectively reports information, as it only mentions the deaths of Palestinians from an Israeli airstrike, but does not mention any casualties or harm inflicted on Israelis or other parties involved in the conflict.
                  • The president announced he is appointing a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and is setting up a fundraiser to assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
                  • The Maldives has announced it will ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country amid its war on Hamas in Gaza.
                • Fallacies (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Bias (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication