Armed Men Search for Israelis at Popular Crete Resort Hotel, Prompting Police Intervention

In a rare incident in Malia, a popular resort town on the Greek island of Crete, Israeli youths staying at a hotel reported that armed Muslim men entered the premises during the night searching for Israelis and Jews. Witnesses described that a small group initially entered the hotel, followed by more individuals later. One mother recounted her son's account, stating that "many Palestinians with rifles and clubs entered the hotel, went up to the floors where Israelis were staying, and started moving between the rooms." The youths were reportedly very frightened, with one sending a farewell message to his mother, expressing fear due to the presence of many Arabs who knew there were Jews in the hotel.

Families of the Israeli youths contacted the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in Greece, who reportedly coordinated with local authorities. Police eventually arrived at the hotel, dispersed the intruders, and instructed the Israeli guests to remain in their rooms for safety. Following the event, one mother said her son requested to return to Israel immediately, prompting the family to seek an earlier flight home.