Tension flared at the port of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, on Monday due to the arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris, carrying around 1,500 passengers from Israel.

Residents gathered at the port in response to a call by the Solidarity Initiative for the Palestinian People, which had announced a peaceful and symbolic protest.

According to e-kriti.gr, locals arrived holding banners in support of Palestine with slogans such as “Stop Genocide” and “Zionism = Fascism,” while also displaying a Palestinian flag in a show of solidarity.

Watch video:

The Solidarity Initiative had called for a mass, peaceful mobilization, despite public warnings from the Greek government that such actions might be criminalized. Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis had previously announced that authorities would take action if incidents similar to those seen on Syros island occurred.

Due to the ship’s arrival, both the Police and Coast Guard were on high alert in Agios Nikolaos. Law enforcement in the area had been reinforced with units from across Crete, aiming to ensure the safe disembarkation of tourists and maintain control over the protest.

According to creta24.gr, the police have already carried out several detentions.

Tensions During Departure of Israeli Tourist Buses

As cretalive.gr reports, during the departure of tour buses transporting Israeli passengers from Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion, en route to Knossos, some individuals threw bottles and other objects at the vehicles.

Police responded with tear gas and cordoned off the area, escalating tensions. The use of chemicals created a suffocating atmosphere, with several people—including children—seen crying or experiencing breathing difficulties.

Watch video: [link not provided in original]

Protests Also in Rhodes

It is noted that similar unrest occurred yesterday (July 28) at the port of Rhodes, where several demonstrators also protested the presence of the Crown Iris cruise ship.