German authorities have arrested three men suspected of plotting attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions in Germany, allegedly on behalf of the Palestinian group Hamas, in a case that has sent ripples through the country’s security and political landscape. The arrests, which took place on October 1, 2025, in Berlin, come amid heightened tensions in Europe over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a rise in antisemitic incidents across the continent.
The three suspects, identified under German privacy laws as Abed Al G. and Ahmad I. (both German citizens) and Wael F. M. (born in Lebanon), are believed by prosecutors to have been involved in procuring firearms and ammunition since at least the summer of 2025. According to statements from the federal prosecutor’s office, the weapons were intended "for assassinations targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany." During the arrests, police seized an arsenal that included an AK-47 assault rifle, several pistols, and a considerable amount of ammunition. Forensic technicians are now examining the cache of weapons, while authorities have conducted related searches in the eastern city of Leipzig and the western city of Oberhausen.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the gravity of the plot, stating that the suspects had been under surveillance for months. "A few months ago, a terrorist suspect known to us with Hamas contacts entered Germany," Dobrindt said, adding that since then, authorities began monitoring him. Dobrindt described the timing of the arrests as crucial: "The suspects were apprehended at the right time." Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig echoed this sentiment, asserting, "We all have a duty to protect Jewish life. That also means zero tolerance for antisemitism, under any circumstances."
Prosecutors have charged the suspects with membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparing an act of violence endangering the state. The trio is set to appear in court on October 2, 2025, when a judge will decide whether they will be held in custody before trial. Authorities are now investigating whether the men were acting on direct orders from Hamas leadership or if they were sympathizers acting independently.
Hamas, for its part, has denied any connection to the suspects. In a statement released on Wednesday, the group called the allegations "completely unfounded" and insisted it "limits its struggle to Israel and the Palestinian territories." The denial comes as questions swirl over the extent of Hamas’s operational reach in Europe and whether the suspects were acting as foreign operatives or merely as supporters of the Palestinian cause. According to France 24, Hamas stated, "[Hamas] has no connection with the individuals arrested today in Germany."
This is not the first time German authorities have acted against suspected Hamas operatives. In December 2023, German and Dutch law enforcement arrested four individuals accused of plotting attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe. Those suspects went on trial in Berlin in February 2025, in what prosecutors described as the first court case against members of the Palestinian group in Germany. The current arrests have drawn renewed attention to the threat posed by foreign extremist groups and the ongoing efforts of German security services to prevent attacks on Jewish communities.
Anti-terrorism investigators played a pivotal role in the latest operation. According to reports from Der Spiegel and corroborated by Reuters, investigators observed the suspects meeting in Berlin for a weapons handover before operational forces intervened and discovered functional firearms, including a Glock pistol. The rapid response by law enforcement prevented what could have been a devastating attack, officials said.
The timing of the arrests is notable, coming just one week before the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel—a raid that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. Most of those hostages have since been released under ceasefire deals, but around 48 remain in Gaza, with Israeli authorities believing about 20 are still alive. In the aftermath, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that, according to Gaza’s health ministry, has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000 others. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its casualty figures, but it asserts that women and children make up about half the dead.
The ongoing war in Gaza has had profound repercussions in Germany and throughout Europe. Germany, historically one of Israel’s staunchest allies due to the legacy of the Holocaust, has maintained tight security at synagogues and other Jewish institutions. Nevertheless, the country has also seen a surge in protests against its support for Israel’s military campaign. Tens of thousands of demonstrators recently marched in Berlin, demanding an end to what they described as "German complicity" in Israel’s actions in Gaza. The protests, organized by a coalition of more than 50 groups—including pro-Palestinian organizations, Medico International, Amnesty International, and the opposition Left Party—called for an end to all military cooperation with Israel, including the "import, export, and transit of weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment."
Germany’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has come under increased scrutiny. Last month, while countries such as France and the United Kingdom moved to recognize Palestinian statehood, Germany refrained from joining them, citing its commitment to Israel’s security. The debate over how best to balance historical responsibility, international law, and domestic security concerns remains a contentious issue within German politics.
The political climate in Germany is further complicated by the rise in antisemitic incidents since the start of the Gaza war. Security at Jewish institutions has been bolstered, and police in many European countries have been on heightened alert. The threat of terrorism remains a pressing concern for authorities, who are determined to prevent attacks on Jewish communities and uphold Germany’s commitment to "zero tolerance for antisemitism," as Justice Minister Hubig put it.
The latest arrests have reignited discussions about the reach of Hamas and the effectiveness of European counterterrorism efforts. While Hamas has rarely operated outside Israel and the Palestinian territories, the group’s ideological influence has inspired sympathizers abroad. Whether the suspects in Berlin were acting under direct orders or as independent supporters remains to be seen, but the case underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist networks and the need for vigilance.
As the suspects prepare to appear in court, German authorities continue their investigation, determined to uncover the full extent of the plot and any possible connections to foreign terrorist organizations. The outcome of this case will likely have implications not just for Germany’s security policy, but also for the broader debate over Europe’s response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenge of protecting Jewish life in the 21st century.
With the memory of the Holocaust never far from public consciousness, Germany faces the ongoing task of balancing its historical obligations, domestic security, and the realities of a changing geopolitical landscape. The events of this week serve as a stark reminder of the challenges—and the stakes—involved.
