Without dramatising the situation, but with increased vigilance because of Israel’s war front, the National Security Governmental Council (KYSEA) discussed the scenarios and possible consequences for Greece and the wider region in yesterday’s two-hour meeting in the Maximos Palace.
In an extensive discussion, where the uncertainty about the outcome of things was still a dominant parameter, the members of the KYSEA showed as a priority the need to shield internal security, given the assessment that the crisis scene would not be defused immediately.
According to Proto Thema, the image of the Greek side is that the Israeli response will be “fierce”, even if this means it will be bloody. In practice, even if an Israeli operation lasts a short time, its consequences will concern the broader region for a long time.
In this light, the preparedness scenarios for our country become an imperative priority.
“Alarm” in the interior
Given, therefore, the need for internal shielding against any possible danger, the EYP and EL.AS will have a central role in the operational plans. Yesterday, suggestions were made at the meeting by the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (EYP) Themistoklis Demiris and the Minister of Citizen Protection, Ioannis Oikonomou.
As Proto Thema reported, the status of guarding targets connected to Israel, Palestine, and the USA is further upgraded. At the same time, the alarm at the country’s entry gates has also been increased, mainly at the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki.
From there, and given our country’s proximity to the Middle East, the EYP undertakes to “scan” everything, evaluating the movements of persons who may have some connection with Hamas and are within the country.
In addition to these, however, they will be looking for signs of persons who may arrive in Greece shortly.
Finally, vigilance also exists in the closed immigration detention centres, especially on the islands, where a few days ago, there were celebrations for the hostilities of Hamas against Israeli targets.
Another video of Palestinian and other Muslim illegal immigrants at a refugee centre today on the Greek island of Samos chanting "Allahu Akbar" following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel. #Israel #Palestine #Hamas #Samos #PalestineUnderAttack #IsraelUnderAttack #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/X6AmnIbncF
— Paul Antonopoulos 🇬🇷🇨🇾 (@oulosP) October 7, 2023
“Shielding” at the border
Beyond that, a critical equation parameter further shields the country’s borders. According to competent sources, migration flows in October are significantly reduced compared to September, but this is not a reason for complacency.
In the last few days, the patrols of the Coast Guard in the Aegean have been reinforced with officers who were in the Ionian in the previous months, while the flows from the Evros after the big fires in August have decreased significantly.
“We are at maximum alert,” a competent government source tells Proto Thema.
However, competent sources of KYSEA emphasise that if there are migratory flows, they will be seen after some time, as approximately 15-20 days are required from the time organised movement is observed to transfer the problem to Greece and, by extension, Europe.
Many displaced Palestinians are estimated to find refuge in Egypt, with which immediate Greek consultation is possible. At the same time, the necessary European pressures have already been exerted on the Al-Sisi government.
The concern, however, is whether, given the unrest in the Middle East, migrants from other regions will be tempted to try to pass through Turkey, which has been “closed the tap” on migrant flows in recent weeks.
The role of Turkey
In the context of examining all the data, at yesterday’s meeting, reference was also made to the attitude of Turkey, which raised the tone against the USA and Israel. What Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s real aim might be is still being determined, as there are speculations that he might want to mediate jointly with Qatar or Egypt.
In Athens, however, there is currently no sign of a change in Ankara’s attitude about the discussions that have taken place at the bilateral level and have brought about a de-escalation of the tension.
Notably, at the beginning of next week, two key appointments for the Greek-Turkish dialogue will take place in Athens, that of Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akçapar for the positive agenda and on Tuesday of Deputy Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou with Mr Akçapar for the political dialogue, the “deep waters” of Greek-Turkish disputes.
READ MORE: “Allahu akbar”: Palestinians in Samos celebrate Hamas attack on Israel.
