A prolonged investigation by the Mossad - Israel’s intelligence agency - together with intelligence and law-enforcement bodies in Europe, has led to the exposure of terror infrastructure that Hamas sought to build across the continent to advance attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets.
As part of the operations, counterterrorism activities were carried out in Germany, Austria, and other countries, during which weapons caches were uncovered and operatives involved in establishing the network were arrested.
In a September operation in Vienna conducted by Austria’s security and intelligence service (DSN), authorities discovered a weapons hideout containing handguns and explosive devices. The investigation of those involved revealed that the cache belonged to Muhammad Naim, the son of Bassem Naim - a senior official in Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza and a close associate of Khalil al-Hayya. The probe also uncovered a meeting between the two in Qatar around the same period, pointing to possible involvement of the Hamas leadership in advancing terror activity in Europe.
The extensive investigation into the terror network has also focused on the involvement of Hamas figures in Turkey, which is considered a convenient arena for the organization’s activity. As part of this, in November, German authorities arrested Barhan al-Khatib, a key operative in the network, after he returned to Turkey following what appeared to be the completion of his operational missions in Europe.
European security bodies continue to expand their efforts against Hamas on legal and diplomatic fronts as well, including the closure of associations and religious institutions used by the organization for fundraising and recruitment. These steps accompany the thwarting operations and reflect Europe’s growing recognition that Hamas has sought to deepen its activity on the continent since the events of October 7.
“The Mossad continues to cooperate with intelligence services around the world and to thwart dozens of attack plots directed against Israelis, Jews, and civilian targets. These efforts continue as part of its responsibility to counter terror in the international arena and to safeguard the security of the State of Israel and its citizens,” the intelligence agency said in its statement.