A brawl broke out between riot police and protesters on Rhodes, Greece, during Monday’s protest against the war in Gaza, while Israeli cruise ships were docked to the island, local media reported.
Television footage showed a handful of protesters chanting “Palestinian freedom” near the port that riot police pushed them back and a small brawl broke out.
Passengers on the cruise ship, which were primarily Israeli, disembarked to Rhodes without incident, Greek media said.
Anti-war activists were seeking demonstrations on the island at a scheduled stop by Crown Iris, an Israeli cruise ship reportedly carrying more than 600 tourists.
However, representatives of local businesses on the island were opposed to the protest.
Last week, Crown Iris left another Greek island, Syros, without passengers disembarking after more than 150 protesters were demonstrated at the island’s port.
Protesters called for the spread of the Palestinian flag and end the war in Gaza. There were no reports of Siros’ violence.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sarl contacted Greece’s counterpart, George Gerapetryfire, about the Siros incident.
