Photo: Minivan News
According to Minivan News, on Monday, July 28, security services evacuated 34 tourist (30 Israeli tourists as well as four of other nationalities) following an incident that reflected the increasing unrest and tensions on Kaafu Thulsdhoo Island. The report claims that an Israeli surfer destroyed an anti-Israel placard, one depicting a swastika with an equal sign to the nation’s flag. The evacuees agreed to be escorted off the island after police intelligence revealed a large group of protesters were headed to the residence to call for the guests’ removal.
The incident apparently occurred outside of the Batuta Maldives Surf View Managing Director ‘s guest house, where the placard was nailed into a palm tree. The Israeli surfer broke off the sign before snapping it in two.
As conflict between Israel and Palestinians continues to ravage the Middle East, an anti-Israeli sentiment has become common in the Maldives. Earlier this month, an estimated 13,000 Maldivians joined the region’s Palestinians in a show of solidarity, marching through the capital Malé. Maldivians have also donated over $130,000 USD to the Gaza Fund.
Read the full story by Daniel Bosley on Minivan News.
