Greece’s Minister for Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, has warned of a highly concerning “strategic shift” by Hamas, suggesting the organization may be expanding its operations into Europe following the arrest of a suspected operative in Crete.
In an interview with radio station Parapolitika 90.1, Chrysochoidis pointed out that for the 40 years since its founding, Hamas has traditionally restricted its violent activities to Israeli territory without causing external disruption. The potential creation of European networks marks a dangerous departure from that history.
“This is precisely what concerns us greatly—that it constitutes a strategic shift by Hamas,” Chrysochoidis said, emphasizing the need for constant, continent-wide vigilance. “We need to see exactly what this means and understand the potential scope of such a danger, such a threat.”
The Minister also firmly rejected the idea that European security forces are dealing with isolated actors. When asked if recent threats could be classified as “lone wolf” actions, Chrysochoidis called the term unfortunate.
“No one can carry out an action on their own; it requires extensive preparation, extensive training,” he explained. “Let’s abandon these images of the lone wolf and focus on efforts carried out by organisations or through coordinated campaigns aimed at striking specific targets.”
Hamas suspect in Greece faces court deadline
The Minister’s warnings come in the wake of a major counter-terrorism operation in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, where a 37-year-old Palestinian man was arrested for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks against Israeli interests using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The suspect was escorted to court under heavy security measures to face both felony and misdemeanor charges. Appearing before the prosecutor and the examining magistrate without legal representation, he was granted a deadline until Thursday, June 11, to formalize his statement.
According to judicial authorities, the 37-year-old is being prosecuted for:
- Forming and joining a terrorist organization
- Receiving specialized training in the manufacturing and use of explosives for the purpose of carrying out terrorist acts
- Traveling abroad to attend training related to committing terrorist acts
- Providing criminal support for terrorist purposes
Greek authorities are now working to determine the exact extent of the suspect’s connections and whether he is tied to broader cells operating across other European countries.
Related: Greece Revokes Asylum of Palestinian Over Ties to October 7 Attacks
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