Syrian bites, partially cuts Israeli tourist's ear in violent Greek beach clash

Dubai: An altercation on a beach near Athens turned violent on Sunday when a Syrian man bit an Israeli tourist’s ear, tearing off part of it, during a scuffle that Greek authorities said began with shouting and insults, according to local reports and Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

The clash unfolded on “Boulevard” beach, a popular stretch of sand outside the Greek capital, where two Israeli couples were relaxing when the man approached them, filming on his phone and shouting slogans, including “Free Palestine.” The tourists told police that the Syrian man threw sand at them, prompting one of them to push him away. Security personnel intervened and removed him from the area.

Roughly an hour later, the Syrian immigrant returned and allegedly tried to attack one of the women. When her husband moved to shield her, the man lunged at him and bit his ear, tearing part of it off. Emergency responders transported the injured tourist to an Athens hospital, where he underwent treatment.

Police arrested the Syrian assailant who lives in Greece, but the confrontation took another turn when he filed a complaint accusing the Israeli man of making racist remarks. Both men were briefly detained for questioning before the injured tourist was released to continue medical care.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Athens is following the case closely and is in contact with Greek authorities and the hospitalised tourist.