Greek authorities have increased security at the ports of Patras and Katakolo in the Peloponnese following renewed protests directed at MS Crown Iris, a cruise liner carrying Israeli tourists on an 11-day voyage through the Mediterranean. The decision came after demonstrations in Kalamata earlier in the week, where local activists gathered to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza despite the ceasefire that came into effect on October 10th.
The incident was not the first of its kind. In July, passengers aboard the same vessel were prevented from disembarking on the island of Syros after a protest in solidarity with Palestine forced the ship to divert to Cyprus.
Witnesses in Kalamata reported that the atmosphere was tense as protesters gathered near the harbour while passengers, escorted by armed officers, were transported to waiting coaches. Demonstrators voiced opposition to Israel’s government, accusing it of continued violence in Gaza, while emphasising their intention to protest government policy rather than individual visitors.
The protests have underscored growing divisions in Greece regarding the conflict. Organisers such as Yannis Sifanakis, known for leading anti-war demonstrations across the country, described the rallies as expressions of anger over developments in a region Greeks consider culturally and geographically close to their own. Political analysts, including Constantine Filis of the ACG Institute of Global Affairs in Athens, observed that Greece’s proximity to the Middle East and its longstanding ties with Arab nations have contributed to heightened public sensitivity over the situation in Gaza.
Filis noted that the Greek government faces a delicate balancing act. While public sentiment has leaned toward criticism of Israeli actions, Athens views its partnership with Israel as a strategic priority, particularly in the context of regional security and relations with the United States. Since 2010, Greece and Israel have developed a close alliance encompassing energy, defence, and economic cooperation—a marked shift from earlier decades when Greece maintained a strong pro-Palestinian stance.
Some Greek hospitality and tourism bodies have condemned the protests as discriminatory and damaging to the nation’s international image. With more than 600,000 Israeli tourists visiting Greece in 2024—a figure expected to rise this year—the demonstrations have prompted concern within the travel sector about potential repercussions.
In response to rising tensions, Israel’s foreign ministry issued advisories urging nationals visiting Greece to remain cautious. Ambassador Noam Katz expressed concern over antisemitic graffiti in Athens and criticised local authorities for not removing it swiftly. Greek Jewish representatives, including Victor Eliezer of the Central Board of Jewish Communities, warned that political rhetoric surrounding the conflict risked crossing into antisemitism, even as many within the Jewish community publicly opposed the policies of Israel’s current government.
Meanwhile, the protests have extended beyond cruise arrivals. In Crete, thousands gathered to call for the closure of the NATO-operated Souda Bay naval base, which has reportedly served as a refuelling hub for US vessels bound for Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. Activist groups, such as Keerfa, Greece’s anti-racist movement, have reiterated demands for the suspension of all forms of military cooperation with Israel.
The heightened tensions surrounding Crown Iris and related protests highlight the complex intersection of public sentiment, regional politics, and maritime tourism now shaping Greece’s response to the ongoing conflict.