FactaBot

The Indian Ocean island nation of the Maldives has decided it's had enough of the Israeli passport drama and flat-out banned all holders from entering its sun-kissed shores. That's right—no snorkeling, no beach cocktails, no overwater bungalows for you, Tel Aviv. +News.com.au, +The Australian Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu made the announcement with all the subtlety of a clapback tweet, citing “solidarity with Palestine” as the official reason.

The island is now the latest tourist hotspot to toss its no-entry stamp into the geopolitical ring, while simultaneously risking a pretty spicy TripAdvisor comment section. The Maldives, famous for luxury resorts and underwater weddings, doesn’t usually show up in headlines for foreign policy. But this time, it’s swapped honeymooners for headlines, sending a clear message that even postcard-perfect paradises have opinions—and passport scanners.

It’s a bold move, especially considering the country’s tourism-heavy economy. Critics say it’s performative politics with real-world consequences, while supporters are cheering the gesture of moral protest. Meanwhile, Israeli travellers now need a new beach plan. Might we suggest... not Bali right now either?