Protesters Block Access to Israeli Cruise Ship in Greece

• Riot police cordoned off areas to prevent protests.
• Demonstrators expressed opposition to Israeli presence.
• Political tensions rise over ongoing conflict in Gaza.

On Thursday, September 14, 2025, police in Greece blocked access to an Israeli cruise ship that arrived at the largest port in Piraeus. Protesters attempted to approach the ship, but they were restrained by special police units.

Protests took place across all Greek islands and at mainland ports, where the cruise ship Crown Iris was docked. In Piraeus, demonstrators waved flags and held Palestinian banners, standing behind a cordon formed by police buses.

Organizers of the protests, relying on posts from activists, claim that among the passengers are Israeli soldiers. One of the organizers, Marcos Bekris, stated: "They are not needed here and have no business being here, blood of innocent people on their hands, and we do not intend to let them in."

Greece is a popular vacation destination for Israelis, but the ongoing war in Gaza and global attention to mass displacement and serious humanitarian issues have sparked numerous anti-Israel protests in Athens and other cities in Greece. Left-wing opposition parties are urging the conservative government to stop commercial and military cooperation with Israel.

Tags: Europe/Politics