The Maldives Bodyboarding Association calls for the prohibition of Israeli surfers

The Maldives Bodyboarding Association (MBBA) has issued a statement via their Instagram account expressing concern and calling for a ban on the entry of Israeli surfers into the country. The shared message from the Maldives Bodyboarding Association reads:

“The Maldives Bodyboarding Association and the surf community strongly condemn and demand an end to the actions considered inhumane and unjust perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians.

Israeli surfers visiting the Maldives have displayed a troubling lack of respect towards local and visiting surfers at the peak, compromising the safety of residents through both verbal and physical assaults. It is essential to emphasize that Israelis discreetly engage in the tourism sector at various levels. We urge responsible resort managers, guesthouses, safari operators, and travel agencies to sever their ties with these individuals.

We request the Maldivian government to impose an entry restriction on Israeli citizens. Additionally, we urge the government to persist in its efforts to end the actions considered inhumane by Israel, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. A call is made to the Maldivian government to provide support, to the best of its ability, to the Palestinian population.

In a gesture of solidarity, we also extend a call to the Muslim community to unite against the actions considered inhumane by Israel and to support the Palestinians in every possible way.”

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives, known for its stunning waves, has witnessed a perceived lack of respect from Israeli surfers, according to the MBBA. The statement mentions threats to local security, both verbally and physically, by these visitors.

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While there is no reference to the recent Hamas attack on Israelis on October 7, the MBBA statement condemns Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, urging an end to these actions, which, according to the statement, have resulted in the deaths of more than 4,500 Palestinians, including over 1,000 children.

The association urges the government to ban the entry of Israelis into the Maldives and calls on owners of tourist facilities to sever ties with Israeli citizens as long as the conflict persists. The post mentions the “troubling lack of respect” from Israeli surfers, its impact on local security, and a call for solidarity against actions perceived as inhumane by Israel.