hamas cell — A major counter-terrorism operation has revealed alarming connections between a Hamas cell in Cyprus and a 37-year-old Palestinian man arrested in Crete. This operation, led by the Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP) and anti-terror police, follows the detention of four Palestinians in Cyprus in late May.
- The suspect reportedly has family residing in the Gaza Strip and faces multiple felony terrorism charges as authorities continue to delve into the matter.
The suspect apprehended in Crete is facing serious terrorism charges and has already appeared before a prosecutor in Agios Nikolaos. Authorities plan to transfer him to Athens on Monday for further legal proceedings.
Hamas cell: Training and Intentions Unveiled
According to reports, the suspect trained at a Hamas camp in Malaysia, a facility known for preparing individuals for militant activities. Notably, two of the four suspects arrested in Cyprus had received training at the same location. Their capture occurred as they were attempting to collect a package containing materials intended for constructing an explosive device, a breakthrough that directed investigators to the individual now in custody in Crete.
During a lengthy interrogation lasting twelve hours, the suspect admitted to his intentions of executing an attack on behalf of Hamas. Investigators surmise that the cell was planning a significant strike aimed at reinstating Hamas’s presence on the global terrorism stage, with potential targets believed to include Israeli interests or even a cruise ship.
Explosive Materials Discovered
Intelligence sources indicate that the suspect had acquired knowledge of constructing synthetic explosives using readily available chemicals. Following a search of his residence in Patisia, Athens, police discovered tools necessary for bomb-making, though the suspect had yet to procure the chemical components. Investigators suspect he was on the verge of obtaining these materials shortly.
The suspect reportedly has family residing in the Gaza Strip and faces multiple felony terrorism charges as authorities continue to delve into the matter.
Ongoing Investigations in Cyprus
Meanwhile, law enforcement and intelligence agencies in Cyprus are engaged in a highly confidential investigation concerning the four Palestinian detainees. Authorities believe these individuals had plotted an attack against Israeli targets in Cyprus as a retaliation for actions taken in Gaza.
Among the detainees, a 32-year-old man and a 38-year-old man are in custody due to their connections to substantial quantities of bomb-making materials. Additionally, a 54-year-old man and a 57-year-old man, suspected of being accomplices, were also arrested. Both of the older suspects have resided in Cyprus for many years and hold Cypriot citizenship, raising significant concerns as authorities scrutinise their backgrounds and connections.
A Larnaca court has extended the detention of the 54-year-old and 57-year-old suspects for five days following a closed-door hearing. In a separate closed-door hearing, a court also extended the detention of the other two Palestinian suspects for four days on charges relating to terrorism and organised crime. One of these suspects confessed to targeting Israelis but refrained from specifying the locations.
Key Findings from the Investigation
Authorities are focusing on the roles of the 32-year-old and 38-year-old suspects, who are believed to have been central to the plot. The 32-year-old has lived in Cyprus for several years, with ties to properties in Governor’s Beach and Kamares, Larnaca, where bomb-making materials, including ammonium nitrate, were discovered. Investigators suspect these materials were acquired locally. The 38-year-old is also implicated in the procurement of the chemicals and has resided in Cyprus illegally after crossing from the north.
The initial discovery of bomb-making materials occurred on Thursday, 21 May, at the Governor’s Beach house, followed by a second significant cache found two days later at a flat in Kamares. All materials have been sent for forensic analysis, which is expected to yield results in the coming days, further illuminating the extent of the plot and the individuals involved.
