- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:39 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has alleged that it has helped European security services dismantle a significant Hamas-linked terror network operating across multiple countries, claiming the group had prepared armed cells capable of launching attacks “the day the order is given.”
In a detailed statement, Mossad said cooperation with authorities in Germany, Austria, and other European states led to the discovery of weapons stockpiles, the arrest of several suspected operatives, and the disruption of plots aimed at Israeli and Jewish communities. Officials described the network as an organised structure built quietly over several years, but accelerated after the October 7 assault on Israel.
Vienna Weapons Stash Tied To Senior Hamas Leader’s Son
One of the most critical breakthroughs, according to investigators, came in Vienna last September. During a special operation, Austria’s State Security and Intelligence Directorate (DSN) located a concealed cache containing handguns and explosive materials. Subsequent analysis linked the weapons to Mohammad Na’im, the son of senior Hamas political bureau member Basem Na’im, who is closely associated with Gaza-based Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.
Officials further claimed that Mohammad Na’im had been working to establish operational infrastructure in Europe, acting in coordination with his father. Mossad noted that the pair met in Qatar around the same period, a meeting the agency says could indicate direct authorisation from Hamas leadership abroad to expand terror activities on European soil.
In its statement, Mossad said that elements of Hamas’s overseas leadership, especially those based in Qatar, were involved in steering the network, despite the group’s repeated public denials. The agency asserted that such denials may reflect an effort to preserve Hamas’s international image, or a possible loss of control over operatives acting independently.
Turkey has also emerged as a key focus area. Investigators say several individuals who had previously operated from Turkey later travelled into Europe to support the network. German authorities recently arrested Barah al-Khatib, an alleged Hamas operative believed to have been active in Turkey before relocating.
Mossad Warns of ‘Dozens of Plots’ Under Disruption
Beyond direct counter-terror operations, European nations have broadened their crackdown to include organisations suspected of aiding Hamas financially or ideologically. Germany, in particular, has intensified monitoring of charities and religious institutions believed to be channelling funds or enabling recruitment.
Mossad said it is currently working with international partners to disrupt “dozens of attack plots” around the world, emphasising that Hamas, in recent months, has attempted to rebuild and expand its external operations in a pattern similar to strategies long used by Iran and its proxy groups.
The agency reiterated that while many of the uncovered plots had been neutralised, the intention and preparedness of the operatives suggested a coordinated plan to target civilians across Europe. Investigators warned that more arrests and seizures are expected as the multinational probe continues.