Greek Police Cordon Off Israeli-Operated Cruise Ship as Protesters Rally in Piraeus
Police in Piraeus blocked protesters from reaching an Israeli-operated cruise ship, as union and Palestinian groups rallied against the vessel's visit.
Greek authorities cordoned off a section of the Port of Piraeus on Friday, preventing union-backed protesters from approaching an Israeli-operated cruise ship that had docked there earlier in the day.
The demonstration, organized by the Greek Seafarers' Union alongside Palestinian solidarity groups, saw dozens of activists march through the port area. Protesters carried a large Palestinian flag and held banners reading "Stop Gaza Genocide" and "Genocidists are not welcome."
Riot police buses were used to block roads leading to the vessel, the Crown Iris, which is currently on a route that includes two Greek islands and another mainland port. The protest concluded peacefully, with no clashes reported between demonstrators and security forces.
Speaking at the rally, protester Themis Amallou called the ship's operators "common criminals," adding, "We don't want them in our country." Another demonstrator, Periklis Tzikas, said the group would continue to support "the struggle of the Palestinians to have their own homeland" and called for an end to what he described as an ongoing genocide.
Organizers said the protest was also aimed at highlighting Greece's military and financial cooperation with Israel. A Greek Coast Guard vessel was seen patrolling near the cruise ship throughout the demonstration.