Germany Charges Hamas Activists With Plotting Attacks on Jewish, Israeli Targets

Germany's Federal Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Friday, September 11, that charges have been filed against seven alleged activists of the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas. The individuals are accused of acquiring weapons for planned attacks targeting Israeli or Jewish sites in Germany and Austria. According to the German news agency DPA, the group intended to carry out large-scale attacks around the anniversary of the October 7th massacre last year, with potential targets including representatives of Israel, Jewish individuals, or those supporting Israel.

The prosecutor's office stated that the accused acted as Hamas's foreign operatives, procuring weapons and ammunition for the organization. The men, who hold various citizenships, face charges of membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparing a serious violent crime that threatens state security. Some suspects have been in pre-trial detention for months, with three arrested in Berlin in early October 2025, just days before the October 7th anniversary.

At the time of their arrest, the group had reportedly acquired a fully functional automatic rifle, 13 pistols, and over 700 rounds of ammunition. Part of the weaponry was transported to Vienna and hidden by another group member, who was later arrested in London at Germany's request and is currently awaiting extradition from the UK. Details of the planned attack emerged after this individual recorded a video detailing the group's intentions.

German prosecutors believe Hamas's military wing has been establishing weapons caches in Europe. Investigators suspect that senior Hamas officials instructed the accused to acquire weapons and ammunition. In a separate case earlier this year, a Berlin court sentenced four men suspected of Hamas affiliation to lengthy prison terms for organizing weapons caches across Europe intended for attacks.