Protests Erupt in Rhodes Against Cruise Ship Amid Gaza Conflict

On the Greek island of Rhodes, scuffles occurred between riot police and demonstrators protesting against the Gaza war during the docking of an Israeli cruise ship. Despite minor clashes, passengers disembarked without incident. Meanwhile, past protests in Syros led to an early ship departure without violence.

On Monday, tensions flared on the Greek island of Rhodes as riot police clashed with demonstrators protesting the ongoing war in Gaza. The confrontation occurred while an Israeli cruise ship was docked at the island, local media reported.

Television footage captured protesters chanting 'Freedom for Palestine' near the port. Riot police responded by pushing them back, leading to minor scuffles. Despite the unrest, passengers from the cruise ship disembarked without incident, according to Greek media sources.

The protest had been organized by anti-war activists in response to the scheduled arrival of the Israeli cruise ship, the Crown Iris, reportedly carrying over 600 tourists. However, local business representatives opposed the demonstration. Earlier, similar protests in Syros prompted the Crown Iris to leave early without any reported violence. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has contacted his Greek counterpart following the Syros incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)