According to the AP, more than 230 migrants arrived in Crete from North Africa over the weekend aboard small boats.
Crete is one of the most frequent destinations for migrants, and the Greek government is considering setting up state-funded reception centers on the island.
Officials reported that the migrants who arrived in Crete over the weekend were primarily from Egypt, Sudan, or Bangladesh. Greek authorities are also expecting a significant rise in migration flows from Lebanon and Gaza due to Israel’s attacks. The largest single group to arrive included 55 people, according to Greek authorities.
The migrants who arrived in Crete departed from Libya, paying smugglers up to €9,000 each.
At the same time, according to “K,” migration flows to islands in the Eastern Aegean—specifically Samos, Lesvos, Agathonisi, and Kos—have increased, with 500 migrants arriving within a week.
Coast Guard officials are investigating whether this rise in migration is due to favorable weather conditions in the Southeastern Mediterranean or the escalation of the war in the Middle East.
Greece remains a central entry point for people from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia en route to other European Union countries.
