Pro-Palestinian Protest Greets Israeli Tourists at Crete Port, Causing Concern

A pro-Palestinian demonstration took place on Tuesday morning at the port of Sitia in Crete as an Israeli passenger ship operated by Mano Shipping docked. Protesters waved large Palestinian flags near the dock while Israeli tourists disembarked. Carmela, who was there with her two 14-year-old grandchildren, described the reception as "unpleasant, to say the least," noting the presence of a large group of demonstrators and local police maintaining a barrier between the protesters and Israeli visitors.

Despite the tense atmosphere, some tourists chose to continue with their plans to explore the area. Carmela explained that although the protest was clearly intended as a provocation to intimidate Israeli tourists, she trusted the local police and decided to take her grandchildren to walk around the town. She cautioned others visiting Crete to be aware of the hostile reception awaiting Israelis.

Another individual, Sagie, who is in contact with family members on the ship, reported that many Israeli passengers were afraid to disembark. Those who did often returned quickly to the ship, feeling threatened by the protest. This demonstration follows a similar pro-Palestinian protest last week that forced a change in the ship's original itinerary on another island.