Nigeria, April 15 -- The Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli nationals, citing "resolute solidarity" with the Palestinian people as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to devastate the Gaza Strip.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 14, after President Mohamed Muizzu ratified legislation passed by the Maldivian parliament.

According to a statement from the President's Office, the move is "a firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people."

"The Maldives reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause," the statement read, adding that the ban should be implemented immediately.

Though the ban affects a small n...