German security forces have made a sixth arrest in connection with an alleged Hamas plot to attack Jewish targets across the country. The latest suspect, identified as Lebanese-born Mahmoud Z, was detained on Thursday morning while travelling on a train in northern Germany.
Weapons cache and alleged terrorist network
The federal prosecutor's office alleges that Mahmoud Z took possession of significant weapons in August, including an automatic rifle, eight pistols and 600 rounds of ammunition. According to official statements, the suspect collected these weapons in the central German city of Hesse from another Hamas member named Borhan El-K.
Following the exchange, Mahmoud Z is accused of transporting the weapons cache to Berlin, where he allegedly handed them to another suspected Hamas operative called Wael FM. This transfer forms part of what authorities describe as an organised terrorist network operating within Germany's borders.
Coordinated arrests and ongoing investigation
The arrest of Mahmoud Z represents the latest development in an ongoing security operation that has seen multiple suspects detained across Europe. Borhan El-K, who allegedly supplied the weapons, was arrested on Tuesday night near the Czech border.
Wael FM, the suspected recipient of the weapons in Berlin, was arrested on 1 October along with two other men identified as Adeb Al G and Ahmad I. German prosecutors have charged all suspects with preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state and membership in a foreign terrorist organisation.
In a related development, another alleged member of the plot, Mohammed A, was arrested on 3 November in London following a request from German police. He stands accused of transporting five handguns and ammunition from Abed Al G to Vienna for storage.
Timing and international implications
Authorities believe the group had been gathering supplies since the summer, with the weapons specifically intended for assassination attacks on Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany. The initial arrests occurred just before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, raising concerns about the planned timing of any potential attacks.
The case has significant international implications, with arrests spanning multiple European countries and highlighting the cross-border nature of terrorist networks. Hamas, which the European Union designates as a terrorist organisation, has previously denied any connection to the men and described the allegations as "baseless".
This latest arrest comes amid ongoing terrorism trials in Germany, including proceedings against four suspected Hamas members who went on trial in Berlin last February, accused of plotting attacks on Jewish sites in Europe.
Mahmoud Z is scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday following his arrest, as German authorities continue their investigation into what they describe as a serious threat to national security and Jewish communities within the country.
