The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering its territory, the president’s office said on Wednesday, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war, an allegation Israel has repeatedly denied.

The United Nations warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was likely at its worst since the conflict began and that the population was again on the brink of famine.

According to a statement from the President's Office, the decision was made in direct response to “the ongoing atrocities and acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. ”