Pro-Hamas Protest Traps Israeli Passengers on Mano Cruise in Greece | WATCH
Hundreds of Israelis aboard the all-kosher Mano Cruise were barred from disembarking in Greece amid a large pro-Hamas demonstration. But that didn't stop the Israelis from singing.
Hundreds of Israelis aboard the Mano Cruise, an all-kosher ship departing from Israel with tours to Crete and the Greek Isles, were prevented from disembarking in Greece due to a large pro-Hamas demonstration.
The protest against Israel raised security concerns, leading authorities to block passengers from leaving the vessel. Reports also indicate that local port unions attempted to prevent the cruise ship from docking. Passengers remain on board as the situation unfolds.
One Israeli passenger reported that everyone on the Mano Maritime cruise ship was caught off guard by the protest, with some children feeling particularly frightened and asking questions. The ship is reportedly equipped with armed security personnel from the shipping company (although Mano Shipping has denied it), and Greek police are on the scene, forming a barrier between the ship and the protesters.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently spoke with his Greek counterpart, Georgios Gerapetritis, requesting his assistance in resolving the docking issue faced by the Israeli ship in Greece.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry, working through its embassy in Athens, is actively monitoring and addressing the situation.
A statement from Mano Maritime said: “As in several places in Europe, a demonstration by dozens of pro-Palestinian activists is taking place today in Syros, Greece. We are in contact with local authorities, and as a result, there is a slight delay in passengers disembarking. During the season, we have limited stops in Syros, and the time in port will be extended accordingly. Shore excursions will not be affected. There are no armed police on the ship, only Israeli security personnel, as is standard on the vessel at all times. It is estimated that the protest will be dispersed within half an hour.”
UPDATE: 3:00PM
Any passengers who managed to disembark were returned to the ship.
As a result of the protests, the ship was forced to leave the country without docking and is now en route to Cyprus. The passengers are reported to be in good spirits.