Mossad, European Intelligence Agencies Launch Sweeping Crackdown on Hamas Global Terror Network

Coordinated European Raids Uncover Extensive Hamas Terror Network

Coordinated counterterrorism raids across Europe have uncovered what Israeli authorities describe as a significant Hamas network allegedly preparing attacks against Israeli and Jewish civilians. The operation involved collaboration between the Mossad and multiple European intelligence and law enforcement agencies across several countries.

According to a statement released by Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office on behalf of the Mossad for Intelligence and Special Operations, the dismantled network was part of a broader effort by Hamas leadership to establish terror infrastructure across the continent. Israeli officials have dubbed the network the “Hamas Octopus,” describing operational cells, weapons hideouts, and logistical channels intended to activate attacks “on command.”

“There are active cells across Europe right now, already on their way to targets, and the public — along with law-enforcement bodies in these countries — must be significantly more alert as this activity continues,” a senior Israeli intelligence official familiar with the details told Fox News Digital.

One of the pivotal discoveries was made in Vienna this past September, when Austria’s security and intelligence service (DSN) located a weapons hideout containing pistols and explosive materials. Israeli authorities say the cache belonged to Hamas operative Muhammad Naim, the son of senior Hamas political bureau member in Gaza, Bassem Naim, who is described as being close to Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.

The investigation expanded as European agencies coordinated their efforts. Israeli officials say they uncovered information linking the Vienna activity to developments outside Europe. According to Israel, a meeting took place in Qatar in September between Muhammad Naim and his father. The timing suggests possible involvement by Hamas leadership abroad in advancing the network’s activities, despite repeated public denials by senior movement figures.

“It is no coincidence that one of the key suspects is the son of one of Hamas’s most senior leaders based in Qatar,” the Israeli intelligence official noted. Israeli officials added that such denials may indicate a loss of control over “rogue operatives.”

The investigation widened further to Turkey, which Israeli authorities describe as “a convenient area of activity for Hamas operatives, both past and present.” European intelligence services are examining possible Hamas-linked plots tied to operatives moving through Turkish territory. In November, German authorities arrested Burhan al-Khatib, described as a prominent figure in the network, after a stay in Turkey—”likely after completing his operational activity on European soil,” according to Israel.

The senior Israeli intelligence official claimed that Turkey, despite its friendship with the White House and President Erdogan’s close ties with Washington, shows “unmistakable signs of involvement. This includes the arrest in Germany of a Hamas operative who arrived directly from Turkey. Some of the direction and operational guidance is being carried out from inside Turkey, and Turkey’s hosting of Hamas is directly fueling terror activity in Europe.”

The raids come amid heightened tensions in Europe regarding terrorism and antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Several European countries have seen an increase in antisemitic incidents, prompting authorities to bolster security around Jewish institutions and Israeli diplomatic facilities.

Israeli officials say the multinational cooperation reflects a growing recognition in Europe of the threat posed by Hamas activity beyond the Middle East. They note that European authorities have recently taken additional steps targeting Hamas’s incitement and recruitment networks, including charities and religious institutions allegedly used “to raise funds and recruit operatives,” with Germany cited as a recent example.

Since the October 7 attack, Israel reports that Hamas has intensified efforts to build infrastructure abroad. The Mossad says it continues to work with partners worldwide to prevent attacks on Israeli, Jewish, and civilian targets, claiming it is currently working to thwart “dozens of attack plots worldwide.”

The discovery of this network raises concerns about the global reach of terrorist organizations and highlights the importance of international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. It also underscores the complex geopolitical relationships in the Middle East, particularly the roles of Turkey and Qatar, both of which have been criticized for their relationships with Hamas while maintaining ties with Western nations.

European security agencies have not commented extensively on the specific operations, but several countries have acknowledged ongoing counterterrorism cooperation with international partners to address potential threats.