Hamas Operative with British Citizenship Accused of Plotting European Attacks

A Hamas operative, identified as the son of senior Hamas official Basem Naim, who allegedly obtained refugee status and later British citizenship, is accused of involvement in a Hamas cell planning attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe. The investigation, published by the Sunday Times, identified the individual, referred to as "Mr. X" due to legal restrictions in the UK, as Naim's son in previous German reports. The man, in his 40s, married with children, reportedly lived a normal life in England for years, working in IT.

According to the report, as early as 2006, he served as part of the security detail for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and was photographed alongside him. In the following years, he moved between Europe and the Gaza Strip. He was reportedly arrested in Egypt on suspicion of involvement in operating a tunnel used for smuggling weapons and gold. In 2015, he applied for asylum in the UK, receiving indefinite leave to remain, and was later granted British citizenship. The investigation suggests he changed his legal name multiple times and operated companies under various identities during his time in the UK.

Germany is seeking his extradition on suspicion of being a central figure in a cell aiming to attack Jewish institutions, Israeli diplomats, and pro-Israel demonstrations in Germany and Austria. According to the German indictment, in 2025, he transferred weapons and ammunition from Berlin to Vienna, including five handguns and ammunition. Further weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle, were later collected, with some stored in a rented warehouse in Vienna.

A video was also found during the investigation showing "Mr. X" masked and armed, holding a Hamas flag. The charges state he presented the planned attack as an act of revenge for Hamas's military wing. The plot was uncovered through an investigation involving Israel's Mossad and European intelligence and security services. The individual was arrested in central London in November 2025 and remains in custody.

The case has raised questions in Britain regarding how he obtained asylum and citizenship despite publicly available information about his Hamas ties. The report also indicates he used his British passport for regular travel to Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt.