Enhanced Security Measures in Greek Ports Amidst Protests Against Israeli Cruise Passengers

Greek authorities have ramped up security measures at the ports of Patras and Katakolo in the Peloponnese due to heightened tensions stemming from protests against MS Crown Iris, which is currently on an 11-day cruise with Israeli tourists. This decision follows demonstrations earlier in the week in Kalamata, where local activists protested against Israel’s actions in Gaza, despite a recent ceasefire that began on October 10th.

This incident is part of a worrying pattern; back in July, passengers of the same ship were unable to disembark on the island of Syros due to a protest supporting Palestine that diverted the ship to Cyprus. In Kalamata, protesters gathered near the harbour, while armed officers escorted passengers to buses. They voiced opposition to Israeli government policies, emphasizing their protests were directed at government actions rather than targeting the individual tourists.

The protests reveal deepening societal divisions in Greece regarding the conflict. Organizers, such as Yannis Sifanakis, described the demonstrations as expressions of anger over regional developments that Greeks perceive as directly linked to their own cultural and geographical ties. Political analysts like Constantine Filis from the ACG Institute of Global Affairs noted that Greece’s geographical proximity to the Middle East and its historical connections with Arab nations heighten public sensitivity concerning the situation in Gaza.

Filis pointed out that the Greek government is caught in a balancing act; despite public criticism of Israeli actions, Greece considers its alliance with Israel as a strategic necessity amid regional security concerns and relations with the U.S. Since 2010, the two nations have cultivated a close partnership encompassing energy, defense, and economic cooperation, a shift from Greece’s previously pro-Palestinian stance.

Some sectors of Greek hospitality and tourism have criticized these protests as harmful to the nation’s global reputation. With over 600,000 Israeli tourists visiting Greece in 2024, a number projected to increase this year, there are concerns regarding the potential impact on tourism.

In response to the escalating situation, Israel’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens visiting Greece to exercise caution. Ambassador Noam Katz expressed concern over antisemitic graffiti in Athens, criticizing local authorities for their slow response to remove it. Greek Jewish leaders, such as Victor Eliezer from the Central Board of Jewish Communities, warned that political discussions around the conflict could drift into antisemitism, despite many in the Jewish community opposing the Israeli government’s current policies.

The protests have also sparked wider demonstrations. In Crete, thousands called for the closure of the NATO-operated Souda Bay naval base, which is reportedly a refuelling station for U.S. ships headed to Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. Activist groups, including Keerfa, an anti-racist movement in Greece, have echoed calls to halt military cooperation with Israel.

This situation surrounding the Crown Iris and the associated protests reflects the complex interplay of public sentiment, regional politics, and the significant role tourism plays in shaping Greece’s response to the ongoing conflict.

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