Riot police clash with Gaza war protesters on Rhodes
- Minor protests erupted on the Greek island of Rhodes against the war in Gaza while an Israeli cruise ship was docked.
- Riot police clashed with demonstrators, resulting in minor scuffles but allowing cruise passengers to disembark without incident.
- The protests reflect increasing tensions in public sentiment toward the Gaza conflict and the complex balance between activism and tourism.
On July 28, 2025, protests against the war in Gaza erupted on the Greek island of Rhodes, coinciding with the docking of the Israeli cruise ship, Crown Iris. Local authorities reported that as the ship containing over 600 tourists arrived at the port, a small but vocal group of demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans such as 'Freedom for Palestine'. The situation escalated as riot police intervened, pushing back the protesters, leading to minor scuffles between law enforcement and demonstrators. Fortunately, the passengers aboard the cruise ship disembarked without incident, despite the festive atmosphere turning tense. In the days leading up to this incident, anti-war activists had organized protests throughout the region, explicitly against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Previously, the Crown Iris had left the island of Syros abruptly, without allowing tourists to disembark, due to an earlier protest that saw over 150 demonstrators unfurling Palestinian flags and demanding an end to the ongoing conflict. While that incident left no reports of violence, the protest in Rhodes was marked by heightened tensions, emphasizing the current climate surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza. The protests reflect a growing wave of anti-Israel sentiment in many parts of the world, particularly in nations with significant connections to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern geopolitical matters. Local business owners in Rhodes expressed strong opposition to the protests, fearing that displays of unrest might deter tourists and impact the local economy. Their concerns echoed broader worries about the balance between freedom of expression and the potential consequences for the tourism sector that heavily relies on visiting international guests. This clash demonstrates the complexities entwined in international politics and public sentiment, especially regarding ongoing conflicts such as the one in Gaza. Observers noted that protests have the potential to escalate and address the broader issues surrounding social justice and the plight of Palestinians. Calls for calm and rational discourse have emerged, as many advocate for peaceful resolutions and negotiations rather than showcasing divides through protests that can turn confrontational.