Tensions flared at Souda port in Chania on Monday as pro-Palestinian activists confronted police during the arrival of an Israeli cruise ship. Demonstrators attempted to block the buses transporting passengers from the dock, prompting a police response.
Reports indicate that protesters, waving banners and chanting slogans, tried to breach police lines. Authorities responded with tear gas, leading to confrontations and a chase through nearby streets. Several activists were detained, though it remains unclear if formal arrests will follow.
The incident reflects ongoing regional and international tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continue to spark demonstrations globally.
Authorities have announced that further protests are already planned in Chania city center, specifically at the fountain square near the Venetian harbor entrance.
The port of Souda, a major maritime hub on Crete, has seen heightened security measures to manage the expected crowds and potential clashes.
