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Greek authorities have arrested and charged a Palestinian asylum seeker on the island of Crete in connection with an alleged plot targeting Israeli interests, with local media reports suggesting that the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris may have been among the potential targets under consideration.
The suspect, a 37-year-old Palestinian national employed at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos, was detained on Saturday, June 6th, by Greece's counterterrorism unit. According to investigators, the man, who previously lived in Gaza and was granted asylum in Greece in 2025, is believed to have been involved in preparations for a possible terrorist attack. Authorities indicated that the alleged plan remained at an early stage, with efforts reportedly focused on acquiring materials and developing operational capabilities.
Investigators stated that searches of properties linked to the suspect uncovered a laboratory scale and other items associated with bomb-making activities. Police further alleged that he had ordered additional materials that could be used in the construction of explosive devices, although these had not yet been delivered. Authorities also claimed that the suspect had travelled to Malaysia, where he allegedly received training related to terrorist operations.
According to reports in the Greek media, the suspect admitted to having considered an attack but told investigators that he had subsequently abandoned those intentions. The circumstances surrounding those statements remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Greek authorities confirmed on Monday that the man had been formally charged with receiving training for terrorist purposes and with membership in Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Greece, the European Union and several other countries. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday.
The investigation was reportedly initiated following intelligence provided by law enforcement authorities in Cyprus. Greek and Cypriot officials linked the suspect to two individuals arrested in Cyprus last month, who were also alleged to have possessed materials associated with bomb-making activities.
Local reports identified the Israeli cruise vessel Crown Iris as a possible target. The ship, which regularly includes Agios Nikolaos on its itineraries, called at the Cretan port on Tuesday before departing on its return voyage to Haifa. No security incidents were reported during the visit.
The Crown Iris has previously attracted demonstrations by pro-Palestinian activists during calls at ports in the eastern Mediterranean. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the vessel was the primary target of the alleged plot, and investigations remain ongoing.
Fuente: Cruise Mapper
