Crete Arrest: Palestinian Suspected of Hamas Ties, Bomb Plot Linked to Israeli Cruise Ship

Greek authorities arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man in Crete on suspicion of belonging to Hamas and planning terrorist attacks. The arrest followed a joint operation by Greece's National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Directorate for Combating Violence Crimes. Investigators found evidence suggesting the man was preparing to build a chemical bomb and may have been targeting an Israeli cruise ship.

The 37-year-old, who reportedly received asylum in Greece about a year ago after arriving from Gaza, was apprehended in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. He had been working seasonally at a hotel there. Authorities discovered that he had rented an apartment in Athens' Patissia district and converted it into a laboratory.

During searches of residences in Crete and Athens, authorities seized mobile devices, a laptop, data storage media, bank cards, and laboratory equipment. According to reports, the apartment in Patissia contained liquid dispensers, chemical reagents, and precision scales. It is alleged that he had ordered chemicals not yet received, with the intention of constructing a chemical bomb.

Information gathered during an investigation into terrorism suspects reportedly led authorities to the man through a phone that acted as a link. This led to a discreet operation to identify and apprehend the target in Crete. The arrest was carried out with utmost secrecy, and the suspect was subsequently transferred to Athens.

Concerns were raised that the man might have been preparing to carry out a terrorist attack on an Israeli-interest cruise ship scheduled to arrive in Crete on June 9. The 37-year-old is expected to be brought before the competent prosecutor, while investigations into the full scope of the case are ongoing. The suspect is also believed to be connected to individuals recently arrested in Cyprus for terrorism-related offenses.