Greek government: Man arrested in Crete confessed to Hamas attack plans in Europe
A 37-year-old Palestinian from Gaza arrested on the island of Crete allegedly confessed to preparing a terrorist attack against Israeli targets on European soil
Greek government: Man arrested in Crete confessed to Hamas attack plans in Europe
A 37-year-old Palestinian national who was arrested on Saturday on the Greek island of Crete allegedly confessed to preparing a terrorist attack against Israeli targets in a European country, according to statements made by Greek Minister for Civil Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis.
The arrested man, originally from the Gaza Strip, arrived in Greece in 2023 and was granted asylum that same year, according to state television ERT. He subsequently travelled to Germany and then to Malaysia, where he reportedly received training at a Hamas camp before returning to Crete. He worked as an electrician at a hotel until his arrest.
In statements to television network Action24, Mr Chrysochoidis said the suspect was not acting alone. "According to this man's confession, he received training in Malaysia and was preparing to carry out a terrorist act in a European country," the minister said.
The Greek official emphasised that Hamas had never previously attacked any European country, nor had it conducted operations outside Israel. "This suddenly represents a change in strategy," he said, adding that it would constitute "a very dangerous threat" if confirmed.
According to information from the Greek press, the attack plans may have targeted an Israeli cruise ship with a scheduled arrival in Crete. Additionally, the suspect had rented an apartment in Athens, where police seized laboratory equipment and chemical products that could be used to manufacture a bomb.
The arrest was made following cooperation between various secret services and intelligence agencies. The case is connected to the arrest of two Palestinians in Cyprus on 21 May, with one of them, 38 years old, reportedly having organised and financed the arrested man's trip to Malaysia for training in explosives.
Source: RTP