Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday that an important Hamas terrorist network operating in Europe was dismantled in joint operations by the Mossad and European intelligence and law enforcement agencies, reports i24news.
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Dubbed “Hamas the Octopus” by Israeli officials, the network was working to build infrastructure affiliated with the group in Europe – setting up operational cells and stockpiling weapons in order to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets on European soil.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the investigation lasted several months and was the result of close cooperation between the Mossad and the security services of Germany, Austria and other European countries.
Coordinated raids led to multiple arrests and the discovery of caches of weapons, including guns and explosive devices, which were being prepared for use “on command” by Hamas operatives.
One of the most important operations took place in Vienna last September, where the Austrian Security and Intelligence Agency (DSN) discovered an arms cache, and detained and interrogated suspects. Local media later reported an arrest in connection with the London raid.
Investigators later determined that the hideout belonged to Muhammad Naim, the son of Bassem Naim, a senior member of Hamas' politburo and a close aide to the group's Gaza leader, Khalil al-Haya.
According to Israeli officials, the hidden weapons are further evidence of the direct involvement of the political leadership of Hamas in Qatar in authorizing terrorist activities in Europe, despite the group's repeated public denials.
As the investigation progressed, European services found information about a meeting that took place in Qatar between Muhammad Naim and his father around the same time that the raid was organized. Israeli officials say the timing and nature of the meeting suggest high-level approval of the establishment of the cell in Vienna. Mossad sources assess that Hamas's repeated denials may reflect a loss of control over agents who act with greater independence.
Arrests of network collaborators in Europe
The investigation also investigated suspected links between agents in Europe and Hamas elements in Turkey, a country considered a logistics hub for the group. In November, German authorities arrested Burhan al-Khatib, a prominent figure in the network, shortly after he returned from Turkey after completing his operational activities.
Other arrests followed this month – a Hamas-linked operative was accused of involvement in procuring weapons for planned attacks in Europe.
European authorities have recently stepped up both security operations and legal-political measures targeting organizations linked to Hamas, including religious associations and bodies accused of raising funds or recruiting agents under humanitarian or cultural cover.
The Mossad said the case reflects international recognition of Hamas' global operational ambitions at the same time as the determination of European governments to counter them. Since the October 7 attacks, Israeli intelligence agencies have seen an increase in Hamas attempts to build new terrorist infrastructure abroad, mirroring Iran's methods of spreading its proxy networks.
According to the Mossad, efforts to deter terrorist plots worldwide continue, with dozens of other operations currently being monitored or actively thwarted.
