Greek Police Arrest Suspected Hamas Operative on Crete; Links to Cyprus Cell Probed

Greek police announced on Sunday that they have dismantled a suspected terrorist cell linked to Hamas, the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group, following the arrest of a 37-year-old Palestinian man on the island of Crete.

The suspect, who was granted asylum in Greece roughly a year ago and had been working seasonally at a hotel in the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, is accused of membership in a Lebanon-based faction and of plotting attacks, according to a statement from Athens police. Local media note that the town’s port regularly receives cruise ships carrying Israeli tourists, raising potential security concerns.

Authorities say the man is also connected to two Palestinians recently arrested in Cyprus. Investigators believe the three men received joint training in explosives use. The suspect had been under surveillance for several days before his arrest after intelligence indicated possible Hamas membership, police added.

While Greece has largely been spared major terror incidents in recent years, this case underscores the operational reach of Middle Eastern militant networks into Europe, particularly through asylum and migrant flows. The timing also draws attention to the broader regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, which remains designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.

The suspect is expected to appear before a prosecutor in the coming days. Police said the investigation is ongoing, with further arrests not ruled out.