Greek authorities arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man on the island of Crete on Saturday, June 6, on suspicion of membership in Hamas and planning terrorist attacks, in a joint operation by Greece’s National Intelligence Service and its counter-terrorism police unit. The suspect is accused of involvement with Hamas, as well as receiving training, travelling, and planning terrorist acts, Euronews reported. He had reportedly lived in Greece for at least one year and had been granted asylum, working most recently at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete.
The arrest was carried out in a joint operation by Greece’s National Intelligence Service, known as EYP, and the Directorate for Combating Special Violent Crimes, according to the Hellenic Police.
Authorities assessed that a Lebanese-born suspect wanted by German prosecutors was also arrested at Larnaca airport in Cyprus, accused of procuring ammunition linked to planned attacks on Israeli or Jewish targets in Germany and across Europe. Greek investigators believe all three individuals — the man arrested in Crete and the two detained in Cyprus — formed a cell. According to Greek authorities, once all necessary materials had been assembled, the two suspects arrested in Cyprus would have travelled to Greece to join the Crete suspect in carrying out an attack against an Israeli-linked target in Europe, Tovima reported.
Greek police said in a statement: “According to the information available so far, he was linked to individuals recently arrested in Cyprus for terrorism-related offences,” adding that he had allegedly “received training” by Hamas.
Greek media and state broadcaster ERT reported a specific potential target. Greek media reported that the man may have been targeting an Israeli cruise ship expected to arrive in Crete on Tuesday, Free Malaysia Today reported. Greek investigators have not publicly identified a specific target and have not disclosed whether they uncovered evidence of an imminent attack. Although an Israeli-owned cruise ship is scheduled to call at Crete this week, counterterrorism officials cited by state broadcaster ERT reportedly consider it unlikely that the vessel was the intended objective because the device was not yet operational. Officials nevertheless told ERT they believed the alleged plot was advancing and that any planned attack was intended to have significant impact.
Searches of the suspect’s properties produced a significant haul. During searches carried out at residences in Crete and Athens, authorities seized mobile phones, a laptop computer, data storage devices, bank cards, and laboratory equipment including liquid dispensers, chemical reagents, and precision scales, Euronews reported. No weapons or completed explosive devices were found. Evidence gathered during surveillance and digital forensics indicated the suspect was preparing to procure explosives but had not yet done so at the time of his arrest, the Athens Times reported.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted he had intended to carry out an attack but claimed he backed out at the last minute. Greek officials remain unconvinced, and the investigation continues.
No formal charges have been publicly announced, and officials have not released further details regarding the evidence supporting the allegations. Hamas has not commented on the claims.
Regional and Global Impact
The arrest adds to a pattern of Hamas-linked terrorism investigations across European Union member states. According to local and Cypriot media, the alleged plot involved explosives and was aimed at Israeli targets, possibly on a cruise ship, Euronews reported. The case draws Greek and Cypriot intelligence services into a coordinated counter-terrorism response at a moment when European governments have increased surveillance of networks alleged to have ties to Palestinian militant groups. Greek investigators have not publicly ruled out other locations in Europe as possible targets, and the full scope of the alleged network remains under examination, Tovima reported.
Background
Hamas is designated a terrorist organisation by the European Union, the United States, and several other countries. Since October 2023, the group has been at the centre of an intensifying conflict with Israel that has drawn in Hezbollah and regional actors. Greece and Cyprus, both EU members and popular destinations for Israeli tourists, have in recent years increased intelligence cooperation on terrorism-related threats originating in the Middle East. The Crete suspect had been under surveillance by EYP and the Anti-Terrorist Unit following his known connections to individuals arrested in Cyprus approximately two weeks earlier on terrorism charges, the Athens Times reported. The Cyprus arrests preceded the Greek operation and appear to have triggered the accelerated move against the Crete suspect.
What Happens Next
The suspect is expected to appear before the competent prosecutor while the investigation remains ongoing, the Hellenic Police said. Authorities are continuing to examine seized electronic devices and investigate possible connections to a larger militant network, Tovima reported. Greek and Cypriot investigators are expected to share intelligence as they work to determine the full extent of the alleged cell’s planning and any additional members. The Israeli cruise ship in question is still scheduled to dock in Crete on Tuesday, and security arrangements around the vessel have not been publicly addressed by Greek authorities.
