Protestors against Israels’ war in Gaza will gather at in Kalamata this morning, in anticipation of the arrival of Israeli cruise ship  “Crown Iris”.

Various protesting groups such as ELGO – DIMITRA Employee’s Association and MeRA25 Subversive Ecological Left claim that in addition to tourists,  the ship is carrying military members of the Israeli Defence Force, resting after their service in the conflict.

The groups claim that Kalamata’s acceptance of the ship on this day of National celebration and rejection of Facsism constitutes provocation and an insult to historical memory and the values of Freedom and Justice that the Greek people honor.

Furthermore, they claim that the Greek government is acting as supporter and ally of Israel by providing access for the Israeli army to its ports and airports in order to continue military operations in Gaza, despite the recent ceasefire.

The Crown Iris, based in Haifa and owned by Israeli operator Mano Maritime can accomodate up to 2,000 passengers in its 750 cabins and is expected to make port at 0830 today.