Piraeus protests erupt over arrival of Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris

Protesters gathered at the port of Piraeus, Greece, to demonstrate against the arrival of the Crown Iris, an Israeli-operated luxury cruise ship. Organized by unions, various civil society groups, and pro-Palestinian organizations, the demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Palestine and called for an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

Participants demanded that the Greek government cease all cooperation with Israel and refrain from involvement in Israeli regional plans. The Crown Iris, operated by the Israeli firm Mano Maritime, has a capacity of approximately 2,000 passengers and has faced similar protests during previous visits to Greek ports.

These demonstrations occur amid strengthening bilateral ties between Greece and Israel. Recent diplomatic developments include a reaffirmed strategic relationship between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Greece's recent approval of a €3.5 billion air defense system purchase from Israel.