On the island of Syros, pro-Palestinian protesters are allowing Greek passengers on a luxury cruise ship operated by an Israeli company carrying approximately 1,600 Israeli tourists to disembark.

An estimated 1,600 Israeli tourists on a cruise ship scheduled to call at the Greek island of Syros are stranded. Individual pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the island's port, chanting "Freedom for Palestine" and raising Palestinian flags. Passengers on the luxury cruise ship Crown Iris, operated by an Israeli company, were not allowed to disembark as the protest approached the port.

The protesters chanted, "Our actions are a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Gaza. It is unacceptable that Israelis are welcomed to rest in any other environment while Palestinians continue their bombardment in exchange for the siege."

The operating company released a statement saying, "We are in contact with local authorities. As a result of the protests, there was a slight delay in disembarking the passengers. The time spent in port will be extended accordingly, and their trip will not be affected. There are no armed police on board, only Israeli security personnel, as required. The demonstration is expected to disperse within half an hour."

Israeli media claimed that, as a result of the growing protests, the operating company, Crown Iris, abandoned disembarking the passengers on the island and diverted the ship to Limassol, Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC).

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that he had spoken with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and requested intervention in the situation.

It was learned that the Crown Iris's voyage was planned to remain in port on Syros for six hours, during which time passengers would disembark and tour the island.