THIRTY Israeli tourists and four other foreigners were evacuated from Kaafu Thulusdhoo Island in the Maldives on Monday in a row over anti-Israel placards.
According to local news reports, anti-Israeli sentiment has been growing in Muslim-dominated Maldives owing to the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza, with demonstrations held in the capital Male recently.
Police moved the tourists, mostly surfers who had been staying in guesthouses on the island, to another area after local residents were incensed when one tourist pulled down a placard bearing a swastika alongside the Israeli flag.
Kaafu Thulusdhoo Island is 40 minutes by speedboat from Male and especially popular among Israeli surfers.
Tourism ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.
Michelle Flake, director at travel consultant Koamas Luxury Escapes, said she hopes the government will ensure safety to all visitors regardless of nationality.
Mohamed Ali, secretary general of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents, said it was a minor incident and will not impact tourism, pointing out that the demonstrations are not targeted at Israeli tourists.
Arrivals from Israel account for just a fraction – 0.3 per cent – of total arrivals to the Maldives.
