Stories from Athens · Greece

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that individuals initially taken onto an Israeli naval vessel will disembark on a Greek coast within the coming hours. Sa'ar thanked Greece for its cooperation regarding the matter.

The PASOK party has submitted a proposal to the Greek Parliament to establish a pre-investigative committee. The investigation concerns the OPEC-EPE case, according to the source. The proposal names former minister Pilió Livano and former minister Fotinia Rampatzi in connection with the case. The investigation aims to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged surveillance. The proposal, supported by Syriza and New Left members, seeks an investigation into potential crimes of breach of trust against the economic interests of the European Union. The inquiry aims to determine if the case should be referred to the Hellenic European Agency and subsequently to the European Prosecutor's Office. The political opposition in Greece has called for new elections following irregularities surrounding a wiretapping scandal.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel of violating international law following the detention of approximately 20 boats from a humanitarian flotilla near the Greek coast. The incident involved the targeting and seizure of vessels and the arrest of individuals on board. The source noted that civil society organizations have been targeting the Gaza Strip and are located near certain national ports. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a call for the full observance of international law regarding the interception of humanitarian aid flotillas. The ministry addressed the incident involving aid vessels heading toward Gaza that were intercepted by Israeli forces. Greece requested that Israel remove the vessels from the specific area. Measures have been implemented to ensure the safe return of the passengers to their countries of origin.

The Greek Foreign Minister issued a statement requesting that Israel withdraw its vessels from the area near the Greek coast. This request was made citing international law, humanitarian reasons, and regional stability. Israel reportedly detained 175 activists of various nationalities at sea near the Greek coast. Greek authorities are currently in discussions with Israeli authorities regarding the safe landing of these individuals in Greece. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested that Israel withdraw vessels from the area following an incident involving the Lisko flotilla heading toward Gaza. The Ministry also expressed willingness to receive passengers on Greek soil and assist in their safe return to their home countries. Israel has handed over more than 170 pro-Palestinian activists to the Greek government.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced this afternoon that activists currently held by the Israeli Navy will be released on a beach in Greece. The crew reported seeing the Navy circling the area and noted that their companions were seized during the night.

The Chilean government has reached an agreement to facilitate the transfer of Chilean citizens currently held in Greece. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with the Spanish Foreign Minister to discuss the situation. The meeting resulted in a decision to take a middle-ground approach, though specific actions have not yet been disclosed. Israel handed over more than 170 pro-Palestinian activists to the Greek government. The individuals were detained after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of 50 vessels in international waters off the coast of Crete. The Athens administration stated that Israel did not provide prior notification regarding the transfer. Turkish activist Ömer Aslan described how individuals escaped an initial attack during the incident. Greece has handed over approximately 175 detained activists.

Greek authorities are investigating the suspected misuse of EU subsidies, which is creating political pressure in the country. The investigation involves allegations of illegal wiretapping and the unlawful receipt of subsidies for political campaigns. Some members of the ruling party face accusations of misappropriating funds intended for welfare. Critics have compared the methods used to those of former Romanian dictator Ceaușescu. Greek Health Minister Antonis Jarraides described the investigation as appearing to be organized and targeted political action. Investigators found a Ferrari and a Porsche not declared by a politician in the ongoing subsidy scandal. Greece has been required to repay more than 400 million euros to the EU. The investigation follows several ministerial resignations and winter protests by farmers that paralyzed highways and ports.

The ruling party's support fell by 2.5 percentage points to 28.6% according to a new poll. A political party's support has moved from 9.2% to 9.4%. The Freedom Flotilla party saw a decrease of 1.2% to 8.2%. Support for the group 'Many and quite likely to vote' is at 21.1%. This follows a 10-point decrease in validity for the Greek vote compared to March. Antonis Samaras holds 9.1% support, down from 10% in March. Support for a major political party in Greece has dropped to 9.1%, down from 10% in March. Another party saw its support decrease from 12.6% to 8.8% within a single month. Additionally, Antonis Samaras received 9.1% support, a decrease from 10% recorded in March. These shifts reflect changing voter sentiment in the country. The New Democracy party received 18.85% of the vote, marking a low for the political group. Syriza followed with 16.78% of the results.

Several boats intended for Gaza were intercepted in Greek waters, according to a representative of the French section of the Choumouda flotilla. Elin Torron stated that this operation in Greek waters is a first with no current precedent.

A scandal involving EU funding is creating political pressure in Greece, according to reports. Allegations suggest the lawmakers sought illegal subsidies for non-existent livestock herds or agricultural land.