The arrest of a 37-year-old Palestinian man in Crete has triggered alarm among security services, with charges filed against him for membership in the Hamas terrorist organization, as well as receiving training and traveling for terrorist purposes. As Vassilis Lambropoulos reported, particular concern arises from the fact that authorities are examining the possibility of planned operations on European soil. “It appears that Hamas wants to proceed with armed attacks in Europe to spread terror, and this is the first time since 2022 and the raid on Israel that this has happened,” he emphasized.
37-year-old Palestinian arrest: Possible target the Crown Iris
Specifically, according to evidence held by authorities, the network allegedly developed activities in Greece and Cyprus. Simultaneously, information is being examined regarding an attack either on venues where Israeli citizens gathered or even on a cruise ship with Israeli interests.
Moreover, the arrest of the 37-year-old Palestinian in Crete has attracted the interest of Israeli authorities, according to Israeli media reports citing information from the French Press Agency. As they report, the Palestinian’s target was the Crown Iris cruise ship. The cruise ship was scheduled to go to Haifa on June 9 and from Haifa to Agios Nikolaos. Since the Palestinian was staying in Agios Nikolaos, it is very likely he wanted to do something there, with a particularly unstable chemical bomb, a particularly unstable mechanism,” noted the Star news director.
“When we say Israeli services, we understand we mean Mossad, as we must explain that Hamas is a structured organization with tentacles in many countries, with funding and weapons. We’re not talking about an imitator or a random lone wolf,” concluded Ilias Papanikolaou.
Hamas member training in Malaysia
Emphasis is also placed on information suggesting the 37-year-old was trained at a Hamas facility in Malaysia. As Vassilis Lambropoulos points out, security services are focusing on two key questions: whether there are other trained operatives and to what extent they cooperate with others. The answer to these specific questions is considered crucial to determine whether this is an isolated case or part of a broader plan.
Greek police statement
The detailed police statement reads: “A 37-year-old foreign national of Palestinian origin was arrested yesterday afternoon, Saturday June 6, 2026, in an area of Crete, following a joint operation by the Anti-Terrorism Service and the National Intelligence Service. Charges were filed against him for membership in the HAMAS terrorist organization, as well as for receiving training and traveling for terrorist purposes.
This followed the exploitation of intelligence from the National Intelligence Service, which revealed indications of the 37-year-old’s connection with persons who recently concerned authorities in another European country for terrorism cases. Simultaneously, evidence regarding his training in manufacturing synthetic explosive materials is being investigated.
Indeed, the 37-year-old worked and resided in an area of Crete, while, as emerged from the investigation, he had placed online orders for explosive materials. During subsequent searches conducted in residences in Crete and Attica, the following items were found and confiscated:
- mobile phone devices,
- portable computer,
- portable data storage devices,
- bank cards,
- laboratory-type precision analytical scale and
- laboratory magnetic stirrer with heating plate.
The arrested individual with the charges filed against him will be brought before the competent prosecutorial authority, while investigations continue.”
