Hundreds of pro-Palestinian Greeks staged a fresh protest Tuesday, gathering at Crete’s Agios Nicholaos Port to rally against the arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris. This marked the third successful protest in two weeks, as the local community continues to show its solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The demonstration, organized by the Greek Solidarity Network for Palestine (GSNP), saw a diverse group of activists, students, and local residents come together to denounce the presence of the Israeli cruise ship. Chanting slogans and holding placards with messages of support for Palestine, the protesters marched peacefully through the port.
This protest comes after two previous successful demonstrations against Israeli ships docking in Greek ports. In mid-July, the docking of the Israeli cruise ship Seabourn Ovation in the Greek port of Rhodes was met with strong opposition from the local community, resulting in the ship’s departure being delayed. The following week, another Israeli ship, the Celestyal Olympia, was forced to reroute to Turkey after facing similar protests in Chania, Crete.
The arrival of the Crown Iris, which is owned by the Israeli cruise line Royal Caribbean, sparked outrage among the pro-Palestinian community in Greece. The GSNP has been vocal in its condemnation of the Israeli government’s actions against Palestinians, including the recent bombardment of Gaza. The group has been actively urging the Greek government to ban Israeli ships from docking in Greek ports until Israel ends its oppression of Palestine and adheres to international law.
Speaking at the protest, Maria Kalafati, a member of the GSNP, stated, “We cannot sit idly by while the Israeli government continues to oppress and violate the rights of the Palestinian people. By allowing Israeli ships to dock in our ports, we are indirectly supporting their actions. We must take a stand and show our solidarity with Palestine.”
The protest also received support from other groups, including the Greek Committee for International Detente and Peace (EEDYE). In a statement, the EEDYE expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for an end to the Israeli government’s apartheid policies.
The presence of the pro-Palestinian protesters in the port attracted the attention of tourists and locals, who showed their support for the cause. Many passing boats and ships sounded their horns in solidarity, while local businesses and cafes displayed signs of support for the rally. This overwhelming show of support has reinforced the sense of unity among the pro-Palestinian community in Greece.
The protesters also delivered a letter to the port authorities, urging them to refuse the docking of the Crown Iris and any other Israeli ships in Greek ports. The port authorities have yet to issue a response.
This latest protest in Crete is a testament to the growing movement of support for Palestine in Greece. The GSNP and other organizations are determined to continue their efforts until the Greek government takes a firm stand against the Israeli government’s actions and shows its support for the Palestinian people.
The pro-Palestinian community in Greece is sending a powerful message of solidarity to the people of Palestine. Their actions serve as a reminder that the struggle for justice and human rights knows no borders. The Greek people stand with Palestine, and their voices will not be silenced until justice is served.
