Greece Arrests Suspected Hamas Operative Accused of Planning Terror Attack

Greek authorities arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man on the island of Crete on Saturday, whom they suspect is a Hamas operative planning a terrorist attack. Police stated the man, who had been granted asylum in Greece a year prior after arriving from Gaza, was allegedly preparing to target an Israeli cruise liner.

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The man is also under investigation for traveling abroad to undergo training.

According to media reports, the suspect was apprehended while working in a hotel on Crete. Police investigations indicate he may have traveled abroad for training and is also being examined for links to a cell of four other Palestinians recently arrested in Cyprus for terrorism-related offenses. Greek intelligence services, in cooperation with foreign agencies, had been surveilling the man for 15 days prior to his arrest.

Searches of properties belonging to the suspect in Crete and Athens uncovered several mobile phones, a laptop, external hard drives, and bank cards. State TV ERT reported the discovery of laboratory equipment and chemicals potentially usable for bomb construction. Police stated the man admitted to being a Hamas operative and awaiting instructions for the planned attack.

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Police also found laboratory equipment and chemicals that could be used to make a bomb.

While police did not initially specify the target, local media suggested the Israeli-owned Crown Iris cruise ship, scheduled to arrive in Crete on Tuesday, was a potential target. The same ship was previously rerouted in July 2023 due to pro-Palestinian protests preventing Israeli passengers from disembarking in Syros. Authorities are also investigating whether other Israeli sites or interests in Europe might have been targeted.

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Police said he admitted to being a Hamas operative and waiting to receive instructions on carrying out the planned attack.