Athens in the news: protests over Gaza flotilla interception and Greece-Israel defense ties; city’s a major political, historic hub in Attica. Population center, capital of Greece.
Amid ongoing Middle East conflict, Greece has successfully evacuated 45 pets and 101 people from Abu Dhabi to Athens on a special flight. The operation highlights the importance of keeping pets with their owners during crises, despite widespread travel disruptions caused by regional hostilities.
A severe storm, Storm Erminio, has caused widespread flooding and dust storms across Greece, notably turning Crete's sky red. A man died in Nea Makri after being swept by floodwaters. Emergency services responded to hundreds of calls, and travel disruptions occurred on the islands.
An elderly man has been detained after a gun attack on a social security office and a later attack at a central Athens court. Several people have been wounded; officials are investigating motives as security is tightened across Athens.
Spain is calling for the immediate release of a Spanish-Swedish activist detained by Israel after the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted. Israeli authorities have questioned activists for possible links to Hamas, while Greece and Turkey critique the operation amid broader Gaza concerns. The incident follows a large-scale interception of boats and participants in international waters.