Greek cops clash with Palestine supporters as Israeli ship docks

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Pro-Palestine protesters have clashed with riot police in Rhodes while an Israeli cruise ship docked on the Greek Island. Scuffles broke out as protesters chanted 'Freedom for Palestine ' while police squads, armed with riot shields and helmets, pushed them back. The demonstration took place while the Israeli cruise ship, the Crown Iris, docked on the island.
A number of protesters were arrested during the rally, while police were seen restraining others. The same ship, which was forced away from Syros last Tuesday after a furious pro-Palestine protest, had been carrying around 650 Israeli tourists and arrived in Rhodes without delay.
'We owe an apology to those friends of Greece who chose to spend their holidays here and were forcibly denied that right by some. 'This incident must neither harm our relations with [Israel] nor the love of Israeli tourists for Greece,' he said. While Greek police and port authorities had prepared for further protests on Monday, local businesses were opposed to the demonstration.
Greece has become an increasingly popular destination for Israeli travellers and tourist bodies, as well as the mayor of Rhodes Alexandros Koliadis, welcomed them with traditional sweets from Rhodes. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had contacted his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, over the Syros protests after more than 150 furiously demonstrated as the cruise ship attempted to disembark for a six-hour visit.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags, chanted and held banners reading 'Stop the Genocide' and 'No a/c in hell' as they formed a line to prevent the Israeli passengers from arriving in Greece. Some passengers responded by waving Israeli flags and singing patriotic songs. 'Inside the ship, we feel safe, but the children are a little stressed,' one passenger told Israeli broadcaster Kan.
'The ship arrived at Syros, encountered a demonstration by pro-Palestinian supporters, and passengers were stuck on board without permission to disembark,' Mano Maritime later said. They later added: 'The management of Mano Maritime has decided in light of the situation in the city of Syros to now sail to another tourist destination.' A group called We Stay Active organised the protest.
In a social media post they wrote 'residents and visitors to the island state that soldiers, settlers, and supporters of the war and the occupation of Palestine are unwanted on their island.' Following the protest, they added: 'We note that there have been numerous complaints from all over Greece about the provocative behaviour of Israeli tourists, who support genocide and who behave as if our places belong to them.