Israeli intelligence aides in arrests of Hamas-connected terrorists in Europe

Hamas has been operating through European street gangs that tried to obtain drones and attack Jewish targets, including the Israeli embassy in Sweden.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli intelligence and its counterparts in Europe have joined forces combatting Hamas connections in Europe and arresting suspected terrorists, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced.

Hamas has been operating through European street gangs and even planned to obtain drones to attack Jewish and Israeli targets, including the Israeli embassy in Sweden.

In mid-December, Danish and German law enforcement announced the arrest of Hamas-connected suspects who are subject to judicial proceedings.

Additional arrests of suspected terrorists in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands occurred in the last week.

Many terror organizations work under the facade of street gangs, such as the Danish gang LTF or “Loyal to Familia” which was banned in Denmark in 2021.

LTF’s ties with Hamas were recently exposed, and in addition to operating in Denmark, it also has a presence in Sweden and Germany.

LTF’s plans to attack the Israeli embassy in Sweden were uncovered as well as efforts to secure drones.

“Hamas draws inspiration from the terrorist activities of the Iranian regime, and like it, aims to hit Israeli, Jewish, and Western targets at any cost,” the group said in a press release.

The revelation of Hamas connections in Europe was revealed following the killing of Hamas commander Saleh Arouri earlier in the month.

Two other terrorist leaders who died in the attack were Samir Fandi and Azzam Akre.

Akre commanded  Khalil al-Kharaz who directed Hamas terrorist forces in Lebanon until he was killed in November.

Kharaz was a director of Hamas cells in Europe, including the one that was planning the attack on the embassy in Sweden.

It was also Kharaz who made contact with LTF.

The death of these Hamas leaders made available information to the Mossad and Shin Bet that allowed them to locate terrorist targets in Europe and other areas.

In a statement, Israeli intelligence officials said, “The Mossad, the Shin Bet, and the IDF, in partnership with international security and enforcement organizations, will continue the effort to thwart the plans of Hamas and all terrorist organizations, and to deal with them anywhere in the world for the security of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”