Israeli Tourist Claims Syrian Bit His Ear in Greece, But Doubts Surround His Story
Athens (Quds News Network)- An Israeli tourist claimed a Syrian man bit off part of his ear while on a Greek beach. But as Israel faces mounting global condemnation over its crimes in Gaza, the details of this case are raising more questions than answers.
Israeli settler Stav Ben-Shushan was vacationing with his wife at Bolivar Beach in Alimos, near Athens. He told reporters that a Syrian man approached them, shouted “Free Palestine” and “I am Hamas,” and began filming them. Later, he claimed, the man assaulted him and bit off part of his ear.
Greek police arrested both men. However, no official police spokesperson has confirmed the full account or released additional findings. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said it is in contact with Greek authorities but offered only minimal information.
While chants like “Free Palestine” are common at protests and among activists, the phrase “I am Hamas” feels oddly theatrical, especially in the context of a random beach encounter.
In recent months, dozens of viral videos have shown Israeli travelers being confronted by pro-Palestine demonstrators around the world. In many of those cases, Israelis were seen provoking, mocking, or even physically assaulting protesters, only to later claim they were the victims. The pattern of escalation, followed by selective storytelling, has become increasingly familiar.
The incident surfaces as Israel’s global standing hits historic lows. Its ongoing genocide in Gaza has killed over 59,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Entire neighborhoods have been erased. International aid agencies say Israel is deliberately starving civilians and blocking life-saving supplies.
The International Court of Justice is reviewing genocide charges. Governments are freezing arms deals. Boycotts are spreading across universities, ports, and parliaments.
No Greek police statement has confirmed whether the Syrian man said what was claimed, or what exactly triggered the violence. The case is still under investigation.
