Hamas in Cyprus: three suspects will stand trial for preparing terrorist attacks

Cypriot authorities have referred to court the case of three Palestinians accused of preparing terrorist attacks against Israeli targets. The first hearing is scheduled for 6 August 2026. The investigation, carried out under conditions of strict secrecy, became part of a joint operation by the intelligence services of Cyprus and Greece codenamed “Odin”.

Initially, four men were involved in the case, but only three will face trial: a 32-year-old Palestinian who lived on the island with his family, a 38-year-old foreign national and a 54-year-old holder of Cypriot citizenship. The fourth suspect was released for lack of evidence. Investigators believe the cell was organised by a 38-year-old physics professor who entered Cyprus illegally through the northern part of the island to assemble explosive devices. Earlier, another Palestinian was detained in Crete; he confessed that together with the Cypriot “professor” he had undergone training in making explosives at a Hamas camp in Malaysia in August 2025.

During searches in the Akti tou Kiverniti area and near Larnaca, the security services seized equipment and large quantities of chemicals, including ammonium nitrate. The first suspects were arrested on 22 May in the Governor’s Beach area. Those detained have been charged with terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, participation in a criminal organisation and money laundering. The investigation is examining the cell’s links to a pan-European terrorist network.