Greek embassy condemns brutal attack on Israeli tourist in Crete

The Embassy of Greece in Israel strongly condemned the brutal attack on an Israeli Arab in Crete, who was mistaken for a Jew, stating that local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

The victim of the assault, 24-year-old Christian tourist from Nazareth, Fahad Qubati, who was on holiday in the seaside town of Malia, was hospitalised with jaw and head injuries.

The attack, which took place last Wednesday, was first reported by the Israeli news service Ynet.

Fahad Qubati went for a ride with several Jewish tourists. The attackers heard Hebrew music playing in his car and proceeded to assault him. They brutally beat the man until he showed them the cross he was wearing. It turns out that the tourist is a recently discharged soldier of the Israel Defense Forces.

This was not just an attack; it was an attempted murder. I pray for my son's recovery and will seek to bring the perpetrators to justice — said the victim's mother, Jacqueline Qubati, in an interview with Ynet.

After the incident was publicised in Israel, the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a statement strongly condemning the attack.

Greece strongly condemns the brutal attack on an Israeli citizen last Wednesday... and the authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Acts of violence are unacceptable. All Israelis are welcome in Greece, which is a completely safe tourist destination — reads the statement.

Israel and Greece maintain strong relations, and Greece has become an extremely popular tourist destination for Israelis, who increasingly opt out of trips to neighbouring Turkey due to its leader's growing support for Hamas.