German authorities have arrested three men accused of having ties to Hamas and allegedly planning attacks against Jewish and Israeli institutions in Germany, according to security officials.
The arrests, carried out in Berlin, are being described as a major counterterrorism operation as European countries continue to face growing security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Counterterrorism Raid Leads to Three Arrests
The operation was led by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office, with investigators detaining three suspects identified as Abed Al G., Wael F. M., and Ahmad I. German authorities typically withhold full names in criminal cases due to privacy laws.
Prosecutors said the men are suspected of membership in a foreign terrorist organization, specifically Hamas, and of preparing a serious act of violence that could threaten state security.
According to officials, two of the suspects are German citizens, while the third was born in Lebanon.
Investigators Allege Weapons Procurement Effort
Authorities claim the suspects acted as operatives working on behalf of Hamas, with the alleged goal of securing weapons for future attacks.
Prosecutors say the group had been attempting to obtain firearms and ammunition since at least the summer of 2025.
During the arrests, police reportedly seized an AK-47 assault rifle, several handguns, and a substantial amount of ammunition. Investigators believe the recovered weapons support allegations that the suspects were preparing for potential violent operations.
While authorities have not disclosed specific targets, officials indicated that Jewish and Israeli-linked locations in Germany were among the concerns driving the investigation.
Growing Security Concerns Across Europe
The arrests come at a time when security agencies across Europe remain on high alert.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war, several European countries have reported a rise in antisemitic incidents, prompting governments to increase protection around synagogues, schools, community centers, and diplomatic facilities.
German security officials have repeatedly warned that Jewish communities could face heightened risks from extremist groups or individuals inspired by overseas conflicts.
The latest case also follows another major investigation in Berlin involving alleged Hamas operatives accused of planning attacks within Europe, highlighting ongoing concerns about militant networks operating beyond the Middle East.
Hamas Rejects the Allegations
Hamas has denied any connection to the three men arrested in Germany.
In a statement, the group described the accusations as “baseless” and argued that the claims were intended to weaken public sympathy for the Palestinian cause in Germany.
The organization also repeated its position that its armed activities are limited to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Federal Court to Decide Detention Status
The three suspects are expected to appear before Germany’s Federal Court of Justice, where a judge will determine whether they should remain in pretrial detention while the investigation continues.
German authorities have indicated that inquiries remain active as investigators seek to determine whether the suspects were connected to a broader network or acted independently.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to remain under close scrutiny given Germany’s ongoing efforts to prevent extremist violence and protect vulnerable communities.
