A Hamas terrorist was arrested after authorities uncovered a terror network preparing deadly attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets on German soil. The operative, Youssef M., 37, entered the country under the protection of the “refugee system” while serving as an operational operative for the terror organization, which allegedly planned its attacks from an improvised bomb lab.
Youssef M. was arrested on June 6 by Greek intelligence in Crete. In a search of his Athens apartment, authorities found a functional laboratory, precision scales, and chemicals used to manufacture explosives. According to intelligence assessments, the suspect underwent terror training in the Gaza Strip, similar to two other Hamas operatives arrested in Cyprus who were in contact with him.
Entered Germany Under Protection of Law
The terrorist, who speaks basic German, exploited the European asylum system to establish himself in Germany. After arriving in Greece as a refugee in 2023, he continued to Germany and filed an asylum application in January 2025. Despite German authorities’ attempts to return him to Greece, the administrative court in Sigmaringen prevented this, and the terrorist remained free in Germany until he disappeared in September 2025. In the period before his disappearance, he lived in the town of Mössingen, and investigators believe he stayed in Hamas training camps in Gaza.
Israel and Jewish Institutions in the Crosshairs
German security officials are expressing deep concern about Germany’s transformation from a protected space into an “operational zone” for Hamas. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt acknowledged that the threat is “daily and constant.” A Berlin court ruling previously determined that Hamas is actively operating on the European continent to prepare attacks against Israeli and Jewish institutions—a fact that places the safety of German Jews in real danger.