Pro-Palestinian activists gathered at Greece's Piraeus Port near Athens on Friday to protest the arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris. The demonstration, organized by the Greek Union of Sailors (PENEN) and supported by left-wing political parties, associations, collectives, and rights groups, called for an end to Greece's close ties with Israel.
Waving Palestinian flags and holding banners denouncing Israel's actions in Gaza, protesters chanted that the ship and its passengers were unwelcome in Greece. Organizers stated the demonstration was part of their ongoing solidarity campaign for Palestinians and reiterated demands for the Greek government to sever relations with Israel.
"Support for the Palestinian people will continue and strengthen until their victory," the organizers said in a statement. A significant police presence was deployed around the port as Israeli passengers prepared to disembark.
The Crown Iris has encountered similar protests at Greek ports since mid-2025, with demonstrations focusing on the Gaza conflict and Greece's relationship with Israel. Some past protests have also raised claims that off-duty Israeli soldiers were among the passengers.
