عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
World

Israel Recommends Citizens to Avoid Maldives after Ban

Israeli army tanks are seen stationed in an area of Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)
Israeli army tanks are seen stationed in an area of Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)
TT
20
TT

Israel Recommends Citizens to Avoid Maldives after Ban

Israeli army tanks are seen stationed in an area of Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)
Israeli army tanks are seen stationed in an area of Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)

Israel's foreign ministry on Sunday recommended that Israeli citizens not travel to the Maldives after its government banned the entry of visitors with Israeli passports.

The recommendation, the Israeli ministry said, includes Israelis with dual citizenship.

"For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist," the ministry said in a statement.

The Maldivian president's office said Sunday that the Cabinet decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.
It said President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess the Palestinian needs and to launch a fundraising campaign.

Most Viewed

 
World

Taiwan Holds First Live-Fire of US High-Tech Rocket Systems 

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Taiwan Holds First Live-Fire of US High-Tech Rocket Systems 

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)

Taiwan conducted Monday its first live-firing of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) purchased from the United States, as the self-ruled island upgrades its capabilities to repel a potential Chinese attack.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan would be massively outgunned in any war with China and for decades has been buying US military weapons and equipment as a deterrence against Beijing.

The first batch of 11 HIMARS were delivered to Taiwan in November.

The truck-mounted units can launch multiple precision-guided rockets at the same time, and has been used by Ukraine against Russia in their ongoing conflict.

AFP journalists watched Monday as Taiwan's army launched rockets from the HIMARS at the Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County.

Washington severed official diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 in favor of Beijing, but has remained Taiwan's most important backer and arms supplier.

In the past five decades, the United States has sold Taiwan billions of dollars worth of military equipment and ammunition, including F-16 fighter jets and warships, angering China.