Crete, Gavdos hit by wave of migrant arrivals
In less than 24 hours, 731 migrants, including many families and children, arrived on Crete and Gavdos. “The shelter in Agia had just emptied of those who arrived on June 5, and now it’s full again,” said Eleni Zervoudaki, Hania’s deputy mayor for social policy.
Most migrants came from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Pakistan, departing from Tobruk, Libya. Diplomatic tensions with Libya complicate cooperation on migration.
Arrivals from Turkey to Aegean islands have sharply decreased, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that “the consequences of the violent escalation caused by Israeli attacks may harm the region and Europe regarding migration.”
On Thursday night, 34 migrants were found on Trypiti beach. By Friday, 352 were rescued by Frontex, with 73 more awaiting transfer from Gavdos. Earlier, a vessel carrying 278 people was intercepted off Kaloi Limenes. Local mayors oppose creating temporary shelters, complicating management during the busy tourist season.
Kathimerini
