The Greek foreign ministry on Monday activiated its Crisis Management Unit and immediately sought information from the Isreali authorities on the safety of Greek citizens taking part in a shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza after Israeli security forces stormed a flotilla of six ships carrying the aid for the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
According to early information from the head of the Israeli army information service, more than 19 people were killed in the operation.
Alternate foreign minister Dimitris Droutsas has called an emergency meeting with Israeli ambassador in Athens Ali Yahya.
Relatives of Greek citizens participating in the mission to Gaza may contact the ministry by phone at +30 210 3681730.
According to a ministry announcement, the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv has bee instructed to contact and official seek information and explnations from the Israel authorities on the Israeli Armed Forces’ operation.
The ministry secretary general also contacted Yahya for immediate information on the safety of the Greek citizens on board the flotilla, stressing once again the need for all the necessary measures to be taken for their safety.
The ministry further reminded Greece’s firm position that any activity of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) must be carried out freely, under the self-evident condition that it is lawful.
It said that immediately upon expression of their intention to take part in the aid mission to Gaza, the Greek participants were informed of the serious security risks, while the ministry services also contacted the Israeli authorities for the safety of the Greek citizens.
The ministry said it will continue to monitor the developments and take all necessary actions.
Greek-Israeli air exercise discontinued
An ongoing joint Greek-Israeli air exercise was discontinued on Monday after Israeli security forces stormed a flotilla of six ships carrying humanitarian aid for the Palestinian territory of Gaza, the Hellenic Air Force General Staff (GEA) announced.
The exercise, code-named “Minoas 2010” commenced on May 25 and was due to run through June 3.
The Greek-flagged trade ship Eleftheri Mesogios and the ship Sfendoni, which has Greek crew and passengers from different countries, have been occupied, Greek News In news website reports, citing Yanis Maistros, special coordinator of the One Ship for Gaza initiative.
Maistros says one Greek was serious injured in the Israeli Army’s attack on the international flotilla transporting humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip. According to unofficial information, more than 19 people were killed in the attack, while dozens were injured.
Greek police fire teargas at anti-Israel protesters
Greek police fired teargas on Monday at demonstrators protesting outside the Israeli embassy in Athens over Israel’s storming of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and the killing of pro-Palestinian activists.
“Dozens of protesters tried to break a police cordon, and police responded with teargas,” said a Reuters witness.
About 2,500 protesters rallied outside the embassy, police said, chanting “Hands off Gaza”
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
