Protests Erupt In Greek Port City of Volos After Arrival Of Israeli Cruise Ship

Protests erupted in the Greek Port City of Volos after an Israeli Cruise Ship carrying tourists and soldiers arrived in the city.

The demonstrations coincided with the berthing of the cruise ship Crown Iris, which came as part of the recreational program for Israeli nationals.

The largest rally started in the morning near the city’s KTEL bus terminal, with protestors marching through central streets under heavy police presence.

Another gathering, which was organised by the All-Workers Militant Front, took place at the commercial port gate where participants held banners and shouted slogans to express solidarity with Palestine.

Police prevented people from entering by blocking the access points to the gate, while buses transported passengers directly from the Port to places in the wider Magnesia region, including mountain villages, archaeological sites and Meteora.

Riot police escorted many buses to prevent contact between demonstrators and passengers.

Tensions broke out twice during the morning when protestors attempted to break the police cordons. Officers responded with stun grenades and pushback.

The protest in Volos was the latest amidst similar demonstrations across Greece in recent weeks.

In July, activists blocked the Crown Iris from docking on the island of Syros and also clashed with the riot police on Rhodes and organised protests in Crete.

They opposed the visits by Israeli tourists amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Source: Maritime Shipping News