On Tuesday, four men accused of aiding Hamas in preparing potential attacks on Israeli, Jewish, or US institutions throughout Europe, including Germany, are set to face trial in Berlin. These suspects were apprehended in both Berlin and the Netherlands and have been in custody since December 2023.
The accusations against the suspects, whose ages range from 34 to 57, allege that they served as “foreign operatives” for the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas. It is claimed they held significant positions with direct links to the leadership of the military wing. The men are charged with membership in a terrorist organization and establishing firearms arsenals in anticipation of potential attacks.
According to investigators, Hamas was considering targeting Israeli, Jewish, or US facilities in Germany and Europe in response to the deadly attacks it launched on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. These attacks were followed by Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The trial is set to be conducted under enhanced security measures. It is anticipated to involve around 50 witnesses and several expert testimonies, with the proceedings expected to extend into at least December.
Hamas is officially designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Germany, the US, and the European Union. The organization has publicly stated its aim to dismantle the state of Israel and establish an Islamist state in the Middle East.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspected-hamas-cell-members-face-terrorism-trial/a-71738477?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
