Anti-Israel Protests Block Israeli Tourists, Prompt Greek Government Crackdown

Israeli tourists visiting Greece have encountered escalating hostility amid protests opposing Israel's military actions in Gaza, with several incidents involving attempts to block cruise ships from disembarking. On Crete, around 1,500 Israeli tourists aboard the Crown Iris faced protests that led to clashes with riot police, who used pepper spray and detained demonstrators, marking the third such incident in a week following similar protests on Rhodes and Syros. The Greek government has expressed concern that these demonstrations have shifted from legitimate anti-war protests to racially charged actions targeting Israeli nationals, prompting a pledge to enforce anti-racism legislation against those obstructing legal entry. Greek officials, including the Minister for Public Order, warned that individuals preventing legal entry of foreign nationals will face prosecution. The protests have raised economic and reputational concerns for Greece's tourism sector, especially on popular islands like Rhodes, Crete, and Mykonos, which rely heavily on Israeli visitors. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has engaged with Greek authorities to address the incidents, while Greek officials emphasize Greece’s commitment to welcoming tourists safely despite ongoing tensions.