Protest held at Piraeus port over arrival of Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris

A protest was held at the port of Piraeus on Friday morning over the scheduled arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris, with demonstrators gathering to express solidarity with Palestinians and oppose Israel’s military operations in the Middle East.

The demonstration began at 7:30 a.m. in the “Lion” area near Gate E12, where protesters gathered as the cruise ship was expected to arrive.

Unions and Palestinian groups join protest
The protest was organized by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PENEN), the Union of Palestinian Workers in Greece, and the Solidarity Initiative for the Palestinian People of Labor Unions and Collectives.

Other groups were also expected to participate in or support the mobilization.

The developments in the Middle East and Israel’s military operations were at the center of the protest.

Claims regarding passengers on Crown Iris
In a statement, the Assembly of Solidarity with the Palestinian Resistance claimed that Israeli military personnel serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but currently off duty were among the passengers aboard the Crown Iris.

The group linked their alleged presence to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

These claims were presented by the protest organizers and were not independently verified in the report.

The solidarity group also argued that pressure to end Israel’s military operations should extend beyond actions by international organizations and governments.

Calls for broader solidarity mobilization
The group called on workers, trade unions, youth organizations and other collectives to intensify solidarity actions in support of Palestinians.

It also called for opposition to what it described as military and political support for Israel from Western countries.

The demonstration was underway at Piraeus port as the Crown Iris was expected to arrive.