Sources indicate a man arrested in London earlier this month is the son of a former Hamas minister, according to a report by German newspaper “Welt” citing Israeli intelligence. The arrest represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a suspected Hamas cell uncovered in Berlin during October.
The individual, reportedly in his late 30s, initially came under the scrutiny of investigators while probing the Berlin cell’s activities. Intelligence suggests he previously held a position within the Hamas leadership’s orbit, including a period serving as a bodyguard for the former Hamas chief who was killed in 2024. Prior to his arrest, he was residing in the United Kingdom, where he worked as an IT specialist.
German prosecutors, specifically the General Public Prosecutor’s Office, allege the suspect is implicated in the acceptance and storage of weaponry outside of Germany, raising concerns about potential logistical support networks for international operations. The suspected cell’s purported aim was the preparation of attacks targeting Israeli or Jewish entities across Europe, a charge that underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the case.
While authorities have presented circumstantial evidence suggesting a sophisticated operation, Hamas has formally denied any involvement or knowledge of the alleged cell or the individual’s activities. The denial, while expected, has done little to quell the rising political tensions surrounding the matter.
Analysts suggest this incident highlights the challenges faced by European security agencies in monitoring and disrupting potential terrorist networks, particularly those operating across borders and leveraging international expertise. The identity of the suspect, given his familial connection to a high-ranking Hamas figure, further complicates the situation, raising questions about the potential for generational involvement and the efficacy of current counter-terrorism strategies. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed further light on the scope and nature of the suspected cell’s operations and its links to Hamas leadership.