Germany Charges Seven Over Hamas Terror Plot Targeting Jews in Europe

German federal prosecutors have indicted seven individuals suspected of belonging to Hamas and establishing an infrastructure in Germany and Austria to prepare attacks against Israelis, Jews, and Israel-related targets. The group allegedly acquired 13 pistols, an assault rifle, and over 700 rounds of ammunition, with some weapons being transported to and hidden in Vienna. The case gained prominence in autumn 2025, leading to arrests across Europe in the following months.

According to the indictment, Hamas's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, began creating arms caches in Europe prior to this, and by July 2025, started developing a specific attack plan. Prosecutors believe the planned attack was intended to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7th tragedy. Potential targets included Israelis, Jews, pro-Israel individuals, Jewish institutions, and pro-Israel events.

By the time three suspects were arrested in Berlin on October 1st of last year, the group possessed the assault rifle, pistols, and ammunition. One suspect, later apprehended in the UK, recorded a video claiming responsibility on behalf of Hamas, which German authorities view as evidence of a concrete attack plan rather than just network preparation.

The investigation, which initially surfaced in November 2025 following the discovery of a Hamas-linked weapons cache in Vienna, suggests a transnational Hamas network operating in Europe. Weapons were sourced from various countries, funneled to Vienna, and conditions were created for attacks in any European country. Previous reports indicated Hamas had been building a secret European network for years, with cells identified in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Denmark, and Austria.