Former Hamas Guard Granted UK Citizenship, Accused of Plotting European Attacks
A former bodyguard for Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, identified only as "Mr. X" for legal reasons, has been accused of plotting attacks against Jewish targets and Israeli diplomats in Europe. The Times reported that "Mr. X" received asylum and later British citizenship after moving to the UK. He had previously been arrested in Egypt over a decade ago on suspicion of smuggling weapons and gold into Gaza via tunnels.
After settling in a London suburb and working as an IT consultant, his alleged ties to Hamas remained known, according to The Times. In November 2025, he was arrested in central London as part of an international operation involving European intelligence agencies and Israel's Mossad.
Investigators suspect "Mr. X" and his group were planning attacks on Jewish community centers, Israeli diplomats, and pro-Israel events in Germany or Austria. A law enforcement source told The Times that "Mr. X" played a "key" role in the preparations. He reportedly recorded a video, masked and armed, claiming to act on behalf of Hamas's military wing.
Authorities are currently considering his extradition to Germany to face charges.
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