Protest against Gaza war prevents Israeli tourists from disembarking on Syros
A cruise ship carrying Israeli tourists departed the Greek island of Syros on Tuesday without allowing passengers to disembark, following a protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
More than 150 demonstrators gathered at the port, waving Palestinian flags and displaying banners that read "Stop the Genocide" and "No A/C in Hell" — a reference to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Protesters chanted slogans near the docked cruise ship Crown Iris, according to local media reports. The protest remained peaceful, with no incidents of violence reported.
The Crown Iris, operated by Israeli company Mano Cruise, was carrying approximately 1,700 passengers. It departed for Cyprus at around 3:00 p.m., earlier than planned, according to the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Footage circulating online showed some passengers waving an Israeli flag and singing from the decks of the vessel in the direction of protesters gathered on the quay.
In a statement, Mano Cruise said:
“The management of Mano Cruise has decided, in light of the situation in the city of Syros, to now sail to another tourist destination. All passengers and crew members are resting and spending time on the ship en route to the new location.”
The incident has drawn diplomatic attention. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar contacted his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis, the Greek Foreign Ministry confirmed, though no further details of the conversation were disclosed.
The demonstration on Syros reflects growing activism across Europe in opposition to the war in Gaza, as well as ongoing tensions surrounding Israeli tourism in certain destinations.
