Aristotelis Hantzis and Suzon Doppagne have decided to end their hunger strike. Hantzis had been hospitalized over the past several days at Athens’ G. Gennimatas General Hospital in extremely critical condition.

The decision by the two protesters was announced by members of the Alexandras Avenue Refugee Housing community during a gathering held Wednesday afternoon in Syntagma Square, central Athens. Organizers stated that their campaign and demands would continue through other means.

Earlier in the day, the Athens Municipality called for the suspension of the implementation of a redevelopment agreement by the Attica regional authority and for the refugee housing community, known as Prosfygika, to suspend the hunger strike. The appeal was made through a resolution approved by a majority vote of the Athens City Council.

Athens Municipality Calls for Immediate Dialogue

“The Municipality of Athens has, since April 20, through a City Council resolution, called on the regional authority and the government to take initiatives for dialogue with the refugee housing community.

“The goal is to find mutually acceptable solutions for the restoration of the buildings, with respect for their historical significance, the redevelopment of the area, and the provision of housing for the people currently living there.

“Today, this need has become urgent, as the life of hunger striker Aristotelis Chantzis is at a critical point. There must not be a death from a hunger strike in this country in 2026.

“This is not a moment for condemnations or for attempts at petty political exploitation.

“We unequivocally condemn the attack on the home of Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias.

“We emphasize that the situation has moved beyond the control of the community itself and is taking on the dimensions of a broader social reaction. This must be prevented by every possible means.

“There is no place for displays of force, and under no circumstances should there be any violent intervention by the authorities, which we would oppose.

“Hundreds of vulnerable people currently live in the Refugee Housing complex and must be treated with sensitivity and care by the state, rather than suddenly finding themselves on the street. There are technical solutions and, with a willingness to cooperate, redevelopment can take place through controlled relocations of residents within the neighborhood.

“The Municipality of Athens once again calls on the government, the regional authority, and the Refugee Housing community to all take a step back and immediately enter into dialogue to find a mutually acceptable solution.

“There can be no room for intransigence during these critical hours.

“We call for the regional authority to suspend implementation of the redevelopment agreement and for the Refugee Housing community to suspend the hunger strike.

“We call on the government and the regional authority to respond to our proposal and immediately begin dialogue with the Refugee Housing community, with the participation of the Municipality of Athens, which has specific responsibilities in this matter, so that tensions can finally come to an end.

“Consultation based on European and international legal principles can secure the broadest possible social consensus.

“We ask the political parties to contribute through their interventions toward this goal,” the resolution states.

It is worth noting that the resolution was supported by the “Athens NOW” and “Open City” municipal factions. The “Athens High,” “Our Athens,” and independent city councilors Dimos Giotis and Gianna Betty voted against it, while the “People’s Rally of Athens,” “Radical Alliance for Athens,” and independent city councilor Christos Tentomas abstained.