In a series of synchronized counterterrorism raids across Europe, authorities have uncovered what Israeli officials are calling a major Hamas network plotting attacks against Israeli and Jewish civilians. This sweeping operation was a collaborative effort involving the Mossad and several European intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The raids spanned multiple countries, showcasing a united front against potential threats.

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement on behalf of the Mossad for Intelligence and Special Operations, revealed that the dismantled network was part of a larger strategy by Hamas leadership to build a terrorist infrastructure across Europe. Dubbed the “Hamas Octopus,” this network allegedly consisted of operational cells, weapon caches, and logistical channels poised to carry out attacks when instructed.

A senior Israeli intelligence official, speaking to Fox News Digital, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting, “There are active cells throughout Europe, already advancing towards their targets. It is imperative for the public and law enforcement agencies in these countries to remain highly vigilant as these activities persist.”

The raids, conducted with the assistance of the Mossad, uncovered weapons including pistols and explosive materials, along with covert Hamas cells ready to strike on command, particularly in Germany, Austria, and other European regions, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

A significant breakthrough in the operation occurred in Vienna last September. Austria’s security and intelligence service (DSN) discovered a cache of pistols and explosive materials reportedly linked to Muhammad Naim, a Hamas operative. Naim is the son of Bassem Naim, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza, who is reportedly close to Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.

As European agencies coordinated their investigation, Israeli officials uncovered information linking the Vienna activity to developments outside Europe. Israel says a meeting took place in Qatar in September between Muhammad Naim and his father. The timing, according to Israel, suggests possible involvement by Hamas leadership abroad in advancing the network’s activities despite repeated public denials by senior movement figures. Israeli officials add that such denials may indicate a loss of control over “rogue operatives.”

The senior Israeli intelligence official claimed, “It is no coincidence that one of the key suspects is the son of one of Hamas’ most senior leaders based in Qatar.”

Bassem Naim, senior Hamas political bureau member and father of operative Muhammad Naim linked to the Vienna weapons cache. (Israeli Prime Minister’s Office)

The investigation widened further to Turkey, which Israeli authorities describe as “a convenient area of activity for Hamas operatives, both past and present.” European intelligence services are examining possible Hamas-linked plots tied to operatives moving through Turkish territory. In November, German authorities arrested a prominent figure in the network, Burhan al-Khatib, after a stay in Turkey, “likely after completing his operational activity on European soil,” according to Israel.

The senior Israeli intelligence official said that Turkey — despite its friendship with the White House and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s close ties with Washington — shows “unmistakable signs of involvement. This includes the arrest in Germany of a Hamas operative who arrived directly from Turkey. Some of the direction and operational guidance is being carried out from inside Turkey, and Turkey’s hosting of Hamas is directly fueling terror activity in Europe.”

Muhammad Naim, Hamas operative linked to the weapons cache uncovered in Vienna. (Credit: Israeli Prime Minister’s Office)

Israeli officials say the multinational cooperation reflects a growing recognition in Europe of the threat posed by Hamas activity beyond the Middle East. They note that European bodies have recently taken additional steps targeting Hamas’ incitement and recruitment networks, including charities and religious institutions used “to raise funds and recruit operatives,” with Germany cited as a recent example.

Hamas terrorists watch the handover of three Israeli hostages to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on Feb. 8, 2025. (Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Mossad says it continues to work with partners worldwide to prevent attacks on Israeli, Jewish and civilian targets. Since the Oct. 7 massacre, Israel reports that Hamas has intensified efforts to build infrastructure abroad, and that Mossad is working to thwart “dozens of attack plots worldwide.”