Protests Erupt in Greece Over Israeli Cruise Ship Arrival

2025-08-13 08:00:08

(MENAFN) Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the Port of Volos in Greece on Wednesday to protest the arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris, drawing a tense confrontation between activists and Israeli passengers, which reportedly included soldiers.

According to 902.gr, the crowd—comprising left-wing groups, trade union members, lawmakers, and officials from the Greek Communist Party (KKE)—rallied to block disembarkation, with activists vocally denouncing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The protesters waved Palestinian flags and displayed banners accusing Israel of ongoing genocide in the region.

Despite the protests, passengers were escorted off the ship under heavy police security and were transferred to waiting buses. However, the demonstrators continued to chant fervently, with slogans like “The murderers of Palestinian people and peoples of the Middle East are not welcome,” “Freedom to Palestine,” and “Victory to Palestine.”

Similar protests have followed Crown Iris to other Greek ports in recent weeks, including Syros, Rhodes, and Agios Nikolaos in Crete.

Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to draw international criticism, with reports claiming nearly 61,600 casualties since October 2023. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. Furthermore, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its conduct in Gaza.

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