President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sparked public outrage and backlash after calling Israel’s genocide against innocent Palestinians, a “war”.

Muizzu took to social media platform ‘X’ on Sunday morning condemning Israel’s bombing of the Al-Tabi’in School in Gaza City, which killed more than 100 displaced Palestinians forced to seek refuge at the school, in its wake.

Strongly condemning Israel targeting yet another school in Gaza, Muizzu stressed that horrifying images show martyred and injured women, children, and the elderly.

Stressing that more than 39,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed since the “war” began in October, Muizzu said that Israel has not shown any efforts towards a ceasefire.

This, the Maldivian leader said is a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

He added that the international community must act immediately to hold Israel accountable and protect civilians.

The president’s post on ‘X’, which came at a time the incumbent administration was already immersed in hot water over the delay in condemning the attack, has sparked public criticism.

Several members of the public have dragged the Maldivian leader for referring to a genocide and ethnic cleansing as a war, calling it “highly inappropriate”.

Further, the public has also slammed the government over the massive delay in banning Israeli passports, noting that it has been more than eight months since the new administration took over.

The bill on banning Israeli passports was accepted by the People’s Majlis, and forwarded to the 241 Committee in early June. The bill was submitted by the former ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Naseem, in a bid to amend the Immigration Act, to ban the entry of tourists with Israeli passports into the Maldives.

Instead of taking it into his own hands and despite having the power to ban Israeli passports himself, Muizzu has forwarded the issue to the People’s Majlis.