Vaadhoo Council Discusses Land Allocation for Palestinian Families
Photo: Vaadhoo Council
The Council of Vaadhoo is deliberating the allocation of land to accommodate 1,000 Palestinians, a proposal tabled by Hassan Abdulla, President of the Island Council, scheduled for discussion at the upcoming council meeting.
Vaadhoo houses a population of 1,500 and is a magnet for surf enthusiasts seeking its acclaimed surfing spots.
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Hassan Abdulla’s proposition seeks to provide land for 1,000 war-affected Palestinian Muslims to settle temporarily in Vaadhoo along with their children. He also recommended restricting the access of Israelis to the island’s cherished surfing areas and limiting their visitation.
Citing discussions between the council and Vaadhoo residents, Hassan highlighted efforts to dissuade Israeli tourists from frequenting the island, with the idea of allocating land for Palestinian families emerging from these consultations.
“We have resolved to allocate land for 1,000 individuals along with their children. Should they choose, they can later return to Palestine. We acknowledge that the newcomers may not become permanent residents,” stated Hassan. He also mentioned the potential provision of farmland for those interested in agricultural pursuits.
With the island boasting a land area of 197 hectares, Hassan underlined the feasibility of land allocation extending over the next five decades. This proposal aims to address the current situation, bolster the island’s population, and extend support to the Palestinian families.
Highlighting the ongoing issues stemming from Israeli tourists visiting Vaadhoo, Hassan emphasized the necessity for governmental intervention to enforce these changes, despite discussions to prevent land allocation and curb Israeli tourist arrivals.
Multiple councils have called for governmental measures to restrict Israeli tourists, including a parliamentary resolution proposing a ban on Israeli passports and plans to submit a petition barring Israeli passport holders from visiting the country. However, the government has yet to take action in response to these appeals.
