Former Hamas Guard Granted UK Citizenship Now Accused of Plotting European Attacks

A former bodyguard for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, identified only as "Mr. X" for legal reasons, has been accused of plotting attacks against Jewish targets in Europe after obtaining British citizenship. The Times reported that Mr. X, who had previously been arrested in Egypt over a decade ago on suspicion of smuggling weapons and gold into Gaza via tunnels, later relocated to the UK. He was granted refugee status and subsequently British citizenship, settling in a London suburb and working as an IT consultant. His alleged ties to Hamas were reportedly not a secret.

In November 2025, Mr. X was arrested in central London as part of an international operation involving European intelligence agencies and Israel's Mossad. Investigators suspect him and a group of associates of planning attacks on Jewish community centers, Israeli diplomats, and pro-Israel events in Germany or Austria. A source told The Times that Mr. X played a "key" role in the preparations.

According to case documents, Mr. X recorded a video while masked and armed, stating he was acting on behalf of Hamas's military wing. Germany is reportedly seeking his extradition to face charges.