Israeli intelligence revealed Wednesday that a sweeping joint investigation with European security agencies has uncovered a network of Hamas-linked terror cells operating across Europe, with recent plots traced back to Qatar and possibly Turkey, where senior Hamas officials maintain political offices.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, issued on behalf of the Mossad, the uncovered cells were positioned to strike Jewish and Israeli targets across the continent “on the day of command,” and were supported by weapons shipments, covert logistics, and high-level coordination involving the families of senior Hamas politburo officials.
Weapons Stashes, Arrests Across Europe
German authorities recently arrested a 39-year-old British national in London on a German warrant for his alleged role in transporting weapons for Hamas operatives. His Berlin-based contact, Abed Al G., was arrested alongside two others in October while attempting to procure guns and ammunition for attacks on Jewish targets.
Weapons seized during the raids included AK-47 rifles, pistols, and ammunition, which were partly transferred to Vienna, where Austria’s state security agency (DSN) later seized the stored arms.
Austrian intelligence determined the cache belonged to Muhammad Na’im, son of senior Hamas politburo official Basem Na’im. According to Mossad, the younger Na’im had met his father in Qatar in September.
“The timing of the meeting suggests possible involvement of Hamas leadership in authorizing and directing terror activity in Europe,” the agency said.
However, Mossad noted that Hamas leadership’s blanket denials might indicate a loss of control over rogue operatives acting independently within Europe.
Possible Turkish Connection
Israeli intelligence also said it is examining whether Hamas operatives in Turkey helped plan the European plots. Turkey has long served as a hub for Hamas political activity, and several past operatives have traveled regularly between Turkey and Europe.
In November, German authorities arrested Burhan al-Khatib, a suspected Hamas operative, shortly after his return from Turkey in what investigators believe was the completion of an operational mission in Europe.
Europe Expands Crackdown
The Mossad said European partnership in the investigation reflects “growing international recognition of the increasing danger” posed by Hamas’s expanding foreign networks and a shared determination to disrupt them.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel said Hamas has intensified an effort to establish terror infrastructure across Europe–mirroring the behavior of Iranian proxy networks.
European governments, particularly Germany and Austria, have increased surveillance of Hamas fundraising and recruitment through religious and cultural associations believed to be linked to the group.
Multiple arrests in Austria, Germany, and the UK over the past several weeks show the breadth of the network and the weapons smuggling routes Hamas allegedly sought to establish on European soil.
Hamas Denials
Hamas has rejected all accusations and claims its activities abroad are confined to “resisting Israeli occupation in Palestine.” The terror group is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the European Union, United States, and numerous other nations.
Mossad: Dozens of Plots Being Disrupted
Mossad officials stressed that the European disruptions are part of a much larger picture:
“The Mossad, together with its partners in Israel and worldwide, is working relentlessly to thwart attacks against Israeli, Jewish, and other innocent civilians across the globe.”
The agency said it continues to disrupt “dozens” of Hamas attack plots in multiple countries.
