Pro-Palestinian activists block 1,500 'Israeli' cruise tourists in Greece

Pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the departure of approximately 1,500 'Israeli' tourists from a cruise ship at the port of Souda on Crete on Monday, according to 'Israeli' media.

A small group of demonstrators blocked the port exit, preventing passengers from leaving the vessel.

One passenger, Yossi Manor, told Yedioth Ahronoth, “We tried to leave the ship, but around ten protesters stood with signs and prevented us from exiting the port.” He added that Cretan police closed the gates and did not allow them to leave.

Earlier the same day, a similar protest occurred at the port of Argostoli on the island of Kefalonia, where the Crown Iris cruise ship carrying about 1,500 'Israeli' tourists arrived under tight security. Reinforcements from Athens and Patras were deployed, and surrounding roads were temporarily closed. Passengers were transported by private buses to their scheduled destinations.

At both ports, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” and “Stop the Crimes of the Occupation,” voicing opposition to 'Israel’s' ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Similar protests took place last week in Patras and Kalamata, prompting one cruise ship to alter its planned route. Despite these diversions, activists continued to organize demonstrations against 'Israel’s' actions in Gaza, which have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities.

The protests in Crete and Kefalonia highlight growing international condemnation and solidarity with Palestinians amid one of the deadliest conflicts in the region in recent years.