A large crowd gathered in the capital city of Malé on Friday evening in a peaceful march to show support for the Palestinian people, amid growing international outrage over the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Organised by the group Youth for Unity, in collaboration with various civil society organisations, religious scholars, and faith-based groups, the march saw hundreds of participants waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. The demonstrators called for an immediate end to what they described as the “atrocities” being inflicted on Palestinians.
The march began at the western end of Malé near the Social Centre and continued across the island, concluding at Artificial Beach on the eastern coast. It followed a similar march held earlier this week in Addu City, the country’s second-most populated region, signalling growing public mobilisation in support of Palestine.
The demonstrations come in the wake of a significant policy shift by the Maldivian government. On Tuesday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the Immigration Act, officially banning Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The restriction takes effect immediately and has since been publicly communicated via a travel advisory issued by Maldives Immigration.
The newly ratified provision prohibits entry to any individual bearing an Israeli passport, reinforcing the government’s opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The move, which the government says is in response to what it deems as acts of genocide and crimes against humanity, has garnered widespread attention both locally and internationally.
Global media outlets including Al Jazeera and RT News have reported on the Maldives’ stance, while thousands around the world have taken to social media to praise the decision. Many users lauded President Muizzu for what they called a “bold and principled stand,” with some urging other nations to adopt similar measures.
President Muizzu has consistently voiced support for the Palestinian cause on the world stage. He has condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza in strong terms during international engagements, and the Maldives has also joined legal proceedings in international courts relating to allegations of Israeli war crimes.
The recent wave of public demonstrations, combined with firm government action, underscores the Maldives’ vocal alignment with the Palestinian struggle, positioning the island nation as a prominent voice among Muslim-majority countries calling for justice in Gaza.
