Germany Indicts 7 Suspected Hamas Operatives for Terror Plot

German federal prosecutors have indicted seven individuals on charges of Hamas membership and planning terrorist attacks, including the acquisition of weapons. According to the prosecution, the suspects acted on the orders of senior Hamas officials and obtained an automatic rifle, 13 handguns, and over 700 rounds of ammunition.

The indictment alleges the weapons were intended for an attack planned for early October 2025 in Germany or Austria, around the second anniversary of the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel. The targets were reportedly Israeli representatives, Jewish individuals, or those identified as supporters of Israel.

German security officials have repeatedly warned that since the October 7th attacks, various armed groups have incited violence against Jews in the country. The German domestic intelligence service stated that thwarting this plot indicates Hamas or affiliated elements are attempting to establish "clandestine logistical networks" in Germany for acquiring weapons and planning attacks.

This case adds to a series of investigations and foiled plots across Europe in recent years involving suspected Hamas activities against Israeli and Jewish targets. Previous incidents include the arrest of three suspects in Germany in October 2025 for alleged Hamas activity and weapons acquisition, and the discovery of a weapons cache in Vienna a month later. A suspect arrested in London at Germany's request is accused of aiding in the acquisition and storage of weapons for deadly attacks against Jewish institutions or those identified with Israel.

In November 2024, four senior Hamas operatives were indicted for allegedly maintaining and locating weapons caches in Europe for years, intended for attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets. Potential targets previously examined included the Israeli embassy in Berlin, the Ramstein U.S. Air Force base, and the Tempelhof Airport area.