On Thursday, December 14, German authorities apprehended four individuals with ties to Hamas, alleging their involvement in plotting attacks on Jewish institutions in the area. This development suggests that tensions stemming from the Gaza conflict might now extend beyond the Middle East.
The recent apprehensions mark the first instance since the commencement of the Gaza war where authorities claim to have uncovered a Hamas plot specifically targeting Europe. While security officials acknowledge the group’s longstanding presence in Europe, they propose that, up until now, the region has primarily functioned as a logistical hub and a source of funding rather than a potential target for acts of terrorism.
As per Germany’s federal prosecutor, in June, under the guidance of Hamas leaders in Lebanon, one of the individuals initiated a search for a concealed weapons cache assembled by the organization.
The prosecutor stated that the weapons were intended to be transported to Berlin for a potential attack on Jewish institutions in Europe. European security officials have increased their vigilance in response to the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7.
In October, a German prosecutor revealed that Abdelhamid Al A, a person of Lebanese descent, along with two accomplices, Mohamed B. and Nazih R., traveled across the region from Berlin to gather weapons. They received assistance from a third individual identified as Ibrahim El-R. The prosecutor stated that all four individuals had longstanding affiliations with Hamas, participating in the group’s activities abroad and having connections with its military leaders, the Izz ad-Dine al-Qassam Brigades.
Berlin authorities detained Mohamed B. and Abdelhamid Al A., while Dutch police arrested Nazih R. in Rotterdam based on an issued arrest warrant. Ibrahim El-R. is presently under provisional arrest, awaiting a federal judge’s decision regarding a potential arrest warrant, with the decision anticipated on Friday.
While there is no direct connection between Hamas and recent attacks in Europe, three radicals who pledged allegiance to the Islamic terrorist group have independently carried out separate attacks in the region since October 7.
In the wake of the October 7 attack and Israel’s military incursion into Gaza, substantial protests have broken out in European cities. These demonstrations reflect a diverse range of opinions, with some expressing support for Israel, while a larger contingent, predominantly comprised of pro-Palestinian activists, denounce the civilian casualties in the enclave.
