German police have apprehended a suspected member of the Hamas militant group who is alleged to have been involved in plotting attacks against Jewish institutions across Europe. The arrest marks a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism operations on the continent.
Arrest at Berlin Airport
The suspect, identified only as 36-year-old Mohammad S., was taken into custody late on Friday evening at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport. The Lebanese-born individual, who had been on the wanted list of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, had reportedly flown into the German capital from Beirut prior to his detention.
Allegations and Accusations
German prosecutors have levelled serious accusations against the arrested man, claiming he was part of a team of foreign operatives tasked with sourcing firearms and ammunition for planned attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets throughout Europe. Specifically, authorities allege that in August 2025, he was involved in procuring approximately 300 rounds of live ammunition for these purposes.
Mohammad S. is believed to be one of several individuals arrested as part of a broader investigation into alleged terrorist activities. This follows previous arrests in October, when German police detained three suspected Hamas members during a weapons handover operation in Berlin. One of those individuals, Abed Al G, is alleged to have colluded with Mohammad S. in their activities.
Hamas Designation and Background
Hamas, which previously controlled the Gaza Strip but has been significantly weakened following Israel's retaliatory invasion after the October 7, 2023 attacks, has long been designated as a terrorist organisation by numerous countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and many others.
The group's 2023 attack saw Hamas terrorists launch a major incursion into Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of more than 250 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military operation that, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, has resulted in more than 71,000 Palestinian fatalities.
Regional Developments and Diplomacy
Earlier this month, Washington announced that peace plans had moved into their second phase, which involves Israel withdrawing troops further from Gaza while Hamas yields control of the territory's administration. This diplomatic progress comes amid continued violence in the region.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to discuss the Gaza situation, according to sources briefed on the matter. Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, over a hundred people attended the funeral of an individual killed by Israeli drone fire on Saturday, with special prayers held at Nasser Hospital's morgue.
"They are liars, there is no ceasefire," said Fares Erheimat, a relative of the deceased, during the emotional funeral proceedings, highlighting the ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region.
