With just one week to go before the second anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel, German authorities moved swiftly to intercept a suspected extremist plot in Berlin.
On Wednesday, federal prosecutors announced the arrest of three men1German citizens Abed Al G. and Ahmad I., and Wael F. M., born in Lebanon1accused of acting as foreign operatives for Hamas. Investigators say the group was procuring firearms and ammunition, including an AK-47 assault rifle and several pistols, to target Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany.
During coordinated raids, police seized the weapons cache and a significant stockpile of ammunition, marking one of the most serious counterterror operations in Germany in recent months. Prosecutors allege the suspects planned violent attacks timed around the October anniversary to inflame tensions and international attention.
Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, denied any links to the suspects, calling the allegations "unfounded" and reiterating that its struggle is "confined to opposing Israeli occupation in Palestine."
Earlier in February, Berlin opened its first trial against Hamas militants, accusing four members of plotting assaults on Jewish institutions across Europe. These cases reflect growing concerns over extremist networks operating within EU borders and underscore the ongoing challenges facing security services as they balance openness with vigilance.
As the anniversary nears, German officials vow to maintain heightened security measures, drawing on data-driven intelligence to prevent radical plots and protect communities across the country.
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Germany arrests 3 accused of targeting Jewish institutions for Hamas
cgtn.com
