Authorities dismantle cross-border Hamas-linked network in Cyprus and Greece

Authorities in Cyprus and Greece have arrested five individuals as part of a coordinated investigation into a Hamas-linked terrorist network. Four suspects, including two Cypriot citizens of Palestinian descent, are currently detained in Cyprus, while a 37-year-old Palestinian man was arrested in Crete, Greece. The 37-year-old suspect confessed to being a Hamas member and admitted to receiving explosives training in Malaysia alongside one of the Cyprus-based detainees. Police in Cyprus discovered potential explosive materials at properties in the Governor’s Beach area and Larnaca, while Greek authorities seized laboratory equipment, including precision scales and a magnetic stirrer, at the suspect's residence. Investigators believe the cell was planning attacks against targets in Cyprus, Greece, and potentially other European countries. Security agencies are actively collaborating with international partners, including Europol and Interpol, to locate additional suspects. It was reported that one of the suspects detained in Cyprus has family members serving in the Cypriot Police and National Guard, though officials confirmed that these individuals are being monitored and pose no current threat to national security. The investigation remains ongoing with authorities tracking digital evidence from seized devices.