Greek authorities said on Sunday that they had uncovered a suspected terrorist cell thought to have links to the Hamas militant organization.
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.
The suspect is said to also 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.
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.
Following indications of possible Hamas membership, the man was placed under surveillance for several days before his arrest. He is now due to appear before a prosecutor. The investigation is ongoing, the police said.
