Hamas Weapon Acquisition Indictment Sparks Concerns Over Terror Network in Europe

The German federal prosecutor’s office has indicted seven individuals for allegedly procuring weapons for the Hamas terrorist organization, aiming to carry out terrorist attacks on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel. This move highlights the potential threat that the Hamas network poses to Israeli, American, and European installations and citizens.

According to the prosecutor’s office, all the accused are part of the foreign terrorist organization Hamas, with its military wing, the Qassam Brigades, establishing weapons depots in Europe. Hamas planned a targeted assassination in Germany or Austria against representatives of Israel, Jewish individuals, or those with pro-Israel views by July 2025. The suspects were arrested between October 2025 and May 2026.

The German prosecutors revealed that the Hamas terrorists had already acquired a functional fully automatic rifle, 13 pistols, and over 700 rounds of ammunition. Mohammed A., prosecuted separately, transported some weapons to Vienna for storage.

Die Welt reported that one of the accused acted as a confidential informant for Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, failing to disclose the full extent of his own involvement in obtaining ammunition for the group.

Sascha Adamek, a German journalist, highlighted the repercussions of past federal policies that permitted Hamas to use Germany as a ‘safe haven’ for fundraising and recruitment. He asserted that the agreement that allowed Hamas to operate freely without violence is obsolete.

Intelligence reports indicate that Hamas might have had up to 650 operatives in Germany during 2025, increasing from 550 in 2024 and 450 in 2023. Additionally, there are an estimated 1,250 Hezbollah operatives in the country.

The German Federal Ministry of the Interior explained that while Hamas and Hezbollah are banned, their supporters act with restraint publicly, avoiding visible connections to the organizations. While Hezbollah’s activities focus on religious and cultural spheres, isolated cases of support for the organization in Lebanon have been noted.

The Interior Ministry assured that federal and state security authorities investigate extremist activities thoroughly, pursuing criminal acts under the rule of law. Recent pro-Palestinian protests and agitation on social media have incited violence against Jews and the State of Israel.

The alliance between Hamas and Hezbollah, backed by the Iranian regime, demonstrates the coordinated efforts of these organizations since the 2023 attack on Israel. Prosecutors disclosed that the weapons operation was coordinated from Lebanon, linking members across Europe.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the potential terror threat by Hamas against Jewish communities and Israeli diplomats in Europe, using Turkey as a base for operations. Matthew Levitt from the Washington Institute shared insights into Hamas plotting in Europe, managed by senior leaders.

Levitt’s article detailed a 2024 prosecution indictment concerning Hezbollah terrorists planning attacks against American and Israeli targets, revealing intentions to expand Hamas’ European activities. This alarm raises concerns about specific targets, including the Israeli embassy in Berlin and the U.S. Ramstein Air Base.

Israel’s Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, stressed the urgent threat Hamas poses, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response as Germany transitions from a retreat for Hamas to an active terrorist target.

Benjamin Weinthal reports on Israel, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Europe. Connect with Benjamin on Twitter @BenWeinthal, or via email at [email protected].