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.

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. ”

The Maldives has changed its immigration law to bar people from entering the country with Israeli passports in a show of outrage over the war in Gaza. The amendment was passed by Parliament on Monday and approved by President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday,

Defence Minister Israel Katz also says Israel will continue its humanitarian aid blockade to pressure Hamas to release hostages.

The zones Israel now holds include extensive land along Gaza’s borders, as well as the so-called Netzarim Corridor that separates the north and south, and a new buffer zone in the south. Altogether, they account for 30 per cent of Gazan territory, according to the Israeli military.

Israel’s defense minister says that troops will remain in so-called security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely.

Cody Balmer, the man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, told 911 operators he targeted the governor in part because of his views on the war in Gaza, according to a search warrant obtained by CNN from the Dauphin County district attorney.

Cody Balmer, who allegedly set fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, said he was motivated by his views on Palestinians, a search warrant says.

The man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania’s Governor’s residence reportedly told 911 he was furious over Josh Shapiro’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, NBC News reports. Cody Balmer,