Israelis told to leave Maldives after island nation announces entry ban

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Israeli citizens who are staying in the Maldives to consider leaving the island nation as soon as possible in the wake of the Maldivian government's decision on June 2 to amend its laws to ban Israelis from entering.

"If Israelis who are currently in the Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them," the ministry said, per reports.

The ministry also advised Israeli citizens to avoid traveling to the Maldives, a Muslim-majority nation, even if they hold a second passport from another country.

The decision to ban Israeli citizens from entering the country was unanimously adopted during a Maldivian cabinet meeting in response to Israel's attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Known for its white sandy beaches, pristine blue waters and luxurious island resorts, the Maldives attracts over a million tourists annually, with about 15,000 tourists coming from Israel.