Europe is facing a mounting threat from Hamas, whose operatives have infiltrated the continent to establish their presence across Europe.
This week, in Germany, police apprehended Borhan El-K., a suspected Hamas member who had procured an automatic rifle, eight pistols, and more than 600 rounds of ammunition, allegedly intended for attacks on Jewish institutions. The weapons were reportedly handed to another suspected member of the terrorist group, Wael FM, in Berlin. German authorities believe the group had been stockpiling arms since the summer.
The danger is not confined to Germany. Last week, a Hamas-linked weapons cache was discovered in Vienna. After the incident, a 39-year-old British citizen—identified in Germany as Mohammed A.—was arrested in London. Uncontrolled migration and open borders have inadvertently provided cover, allowing extremists to operate undetected and to cross borders seamlessly.
While Europe grapples with the growing threat posed by Hamas operatives infiltrating the continent, left-wing extremists are openly supporting the terrorist group. In Germany, a rally in Berlin on the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7th pogrom glorified the massacre, with organizers calling it a “heroic escape from prison” and a “beacon of hope.”
Similar incidents have occurred in Austria, where hundreds gathered in Vienna, despite the protest being banned, with police criticized for failing to intervene.
Across Europe, the terrorist organization and its sympathizers are visible in public life. In the Netherlands, a Gazan man who publicly celebrated the October 7th attacks in Israel attended a pro-Palestine demonstration in Amsterdam, openly aligning with Hamas.
Mohaned al-Khatib, the Gazan in question, “describes himself as a journalist … in his comments, however, he openly reveals himself to be a Hamas supporter. He is pictured arm in arm with then-Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh,” De Telegraaf wrote.
Similarly, in the UK, the son of a senior Hamas official was arrested following German intelligence requests, suspected of planning attacks on Jewish targets.
The situation is further aggravated by rising support for Hamas in Palestinian territories, with 44% of Gazans and 59% in Judea and Samaria backing the October 7th pogrom in Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 civilians, wounded thousands, and left 251 kidnapped.
At the same time, Islamist extremism is increasing within Europe itself. In Germany, for example, officials estimate 32,500 people are living in the country who can be classified as foreign extremists, with many aligning themselves with Hamas.
Germany recorded over 1,500 Islamist-motivated crimes in 2024, while Austria reported a 41.5% rise, with extremists increasingly visible online and in public spaces. Young people are particularly targeted, with extremists exploiting cultural and social channels to secure a new generation of followers.
Europe’s lack of action threatens to allow Hamas to strengthen its presence and expand its activities throughout the continent.
