UK Granted Citizenship to Hamas Leader Haniyeh's Ex-Bodyguard Suspected of Terror Plots

A man who formerly served as a bodyguard for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been granted asylum and subsequently citizenship in the United Kingdom, according to a report by the British "Sunday Times." The individual, identified only as "Mr. X" due to a publication ban, is suspected of involvement in planning terror attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe.

According to the investigation, "Mr. X" was part of Haniyeh's personal security detail in the Gaza Strip before moving to the UK over a decade ago. He arrived in 2012, applied for asylum in 2015, and later received permanent residency and British citizenship. The "Sunday Times" reported that authorities were aware of his past employment with Haniyeh and a previous arrest in Egypt on suspicion of operating a tunnel used for smuggling weapons into Gaza when he was granted refugee status.

After settling in England, he worked as a computer consultant and legally changed his name multiple times. He was arrested in central London last November by the UK's National Crime Agency, following intelligence reportedly provided by Israel's Mossad and German intelligence services. He is suspected of being a key figure in a cell that planned attacks on Jewish centers, Israeli diplomats, and pro-Israel demonstrations in Germany or Austria, around the anniversary of the October 7th massacre.

German indictment details, first published by "Bild," indicate that the suspect allegedly transferred handguns, ammunition, and camouflage equipment from Berlin to Vienna. Reports suggest he also pre-recorded a video, masked and armed before a Hamas flag, presenting the planned attack as retaliation by the organization's military wing. He is expected to face extradition proceedings to Germany.

The case has raised questions in the UK regarding the Home Office's vetting procedures before granting the individual status and citizenship, given his alleged past and connections to Hamas. A Home Office spokesperson stated that while they do not comment on individual cases, they "take all necessary steps to protect the security of the country."