Greek police arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man on June 6, 2026, on the island of Crete on suspicion of terrorism linked to Hamas [1, 2, 3]. The man, who has asylum status in Greece, had been living and working at a hotel on Crete for about a year [1, 3].
Authorities charged him with membership in Hamas and receiving training for terrorist purposes. They say he also ordered explosive materials online [1]. Police found mobile phones, bank cards, a laptop, a precision scale, laboratory equipment, and chemical substances in his residences on Crete and in Athens [1, 2, 3]. The suspect allegedly received explosives training possibly in Malaysia [1, 3].
He is connected to four other Palestinians detained in Cyprus on terrorism suspicions. Two men were arrested on May 22, 2026, with explosives-making materials found at two premises. Two more were detained on May 29. The arrests are part of a wider, regional counterterrorism investigation [1, 3].
Investigators say the alleged plot involved targeting the Israeli cruise ship MS Crown Iris, scheduled to dock in Crete on June 7, 2026 [2, 3]. The MS Crown Iris has become a focus of protests in Greece amid the Hamas-Israel conflict, with critics accusing its owner of profiting from the war [3].
The suspect is expected to appear to respond to terrorism charges either before a prosecutor on June 8 or before a magistrate on June 7, according to differing sources [1, 3]. Authorities have not disclosed further details ahead of the hearing.
The investigation continues as the cruise ship's visit to Crete draws near, with heightened security and law enforcement vigilance in the area.
