The Greek government has launched an emergency operation to transfer hundreds of undocumented migrants from Crete to mainland facilities, following a surge in arrivals from Libya that has overwhelmed the island's resources.
Top government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, decided at a meeting Monday that 600 to 700 migrants—roughly half the current number on the island—will be moved by Tuesday.
The decision follows the arrival of approximately 1,500 people in recent days, with boats continuing to land on Crete and the small island of Gavdos to its south.
On Monday alone, at least four separate boats carrying a total of 156 migrants were located and brought to shore.
While Libyan authorities have reportedly assured Athens that the recent surge was temporary, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue with European Council President Antonio Costa during a meeting in Athens on Monday, highlighting the challenge's "profound implications" for European security.