Arrests in Germany linked to alleged Hamas plot

Police in Germany have made four arrests of suspected Hamas members linked to an alleged plot to attack Jewish sites.

Three suspects linked to Hamas were arrested in Berlin and one in the Netherlands on suspicion of planning attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe. Police raided five apartments and a restaurant.

According to German prosecutors, those held in Berlin were Lebanese and Egyptian. The fourth person arrested was a Dutch national, picked up in Rotterdam. It is believed all four are long-standing members of Hamas and German prosecutors said they were closely linked to the leadership of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

It was added that Abdelhamid Al A, one of those arrested, had been tasked by Hamas leaders in Lebanon with trying to find and store weapons for the purpose of carrying out a terrorist attack.

The plot is believed to have predated the 7 October attacks.

Three people have also been arrested on suspicion of preparing attack in Denmark, though the two investigations are not directly linked.

Those arrested in Denmark are to be charged with terror offences.

The terror threat in Denmark is at level four out of a possible five.

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