Greek authorities said on Sunday that they had uncovered a suspected terrorist cell thought to have links to Hamas and targeted Israeli tourists.
During the investigation, a 37-year-old man of Palestinian origin was arrested on the island of Crete. He is accused of being a member of Hamas and planning terrorist attacks, according to a statement by Athens police.
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The suspect is also said to be connected to two Palestinians recently arrested in Cyprus. According to investigators, the three are believed to have received joint training in the use of explosives, the police added.
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Police officers in Athens, last year. Credit: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters
Police officers in Athens, last year. Credit: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters
The police statement did not provide details about the planned attack, but Greek media reported that the suspect may have been planning to target a ship scheduled to arrive in Crete from Israel on Tuesday.
Following indications of possible Hamas membership, the man was placed under surveillance for several days before his arrest. He is due to appear before a prosecutor. The investigation is ongoing, the police said.
The 37-year-old reportedly arrived in Greece about a year ago and was granted asylum there. Most recently, he worked seasonally at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos on Crete. Local media reported that cruise ships carrying tourists from Israel regularly dock there.