A terror plot by Hamas to kill Jews across Europe was foiled by German and Danish police yesterday, as the UK and the rest of the continent continues to remain alert to any threats.
Police in Germany have arrested four people, who prosecutors said were intending to store weapons in Berlin for a potential attack.
Three suspects were arrested in Berlin, whilst one was arrested in the Netherlands.
The three in Berlin were Lebanese and Egyptian, whilst the fourth suspect was a Dutch national who was arrested by forces in the Netherlands based on German intelligence.
Europe on alert: Hamas-linked Christmas terror plot foiled across continent as Britain remains vigilant
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All four are understood to be long-serving members of Hamas, who were “closely linked” to the leadership of Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the terror group’s armed wing.
“This is extremely serious,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told news agency Ritzau at a meeting with EU ministers in Brussels.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in a statement on social media that the seven people arrested were “acting on behalf of Hamas”.
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Police in Copenhagen have made a number of arrests (Stock image)WIKICOMMONSFederal prosecutors in Germany have linked the plot to Hamas, however Danish authorities have not said the group is connected in their own investigation.
It is understood that there is no connection between the arrests made in Germany and those made in Denmark.
As the threat level around Europe continues to rise, security sources in the UK have previously told GB News it is “likely only a matter of time” before there is a terror attack linked to the conflict in Gaza.
Scotland Yard’s head of counter terror policing told us there was no specific intelligence of any planned attacks, but calls to the anti-terror hotline have risen 700 per cent since the conflict in the Middle East began on October 7.
Hamas militants are seen during a military show in the Bani Suheila districtGETTYCommander Dominic Murphy has urged the public to be extra vigilant in the run-up to Christmas.
“Of course we've seen in the past, haven't we, that events overseas can often lead to radicalisation of individuals here and we're very alive to that,” he said last month.
“The threat remains the same for the UK, but around the country counter terrorism policing are working really closely with our partners to understand that threat and respond accordingly.
“And that's why we're asking people to be really vigilant this winter and call us if anything feels out of place.”