Greek authorities have arrested a Palestinian man suspected of links to Hamas and involvement in an alleged plot that may have targeted an Israeli cruise ship operating in the Mediterranean.
The 37-year-old suspect was taken into custody on the island of Crete following a surveillance operation conducted by Greek intelligence services. According to local reports, the man had been living and working at a hotel on the island after arriving in Greece from Gaza approximately a year ago.
While Greek police have not publicly identified the intended target, several media outlets reported that investigators believe the Israeli-owned Crown Iris cruise ship was among the potential targets under consideration.
Authorities said that the alleged plot was still in its early planning stages and had not advanced to an operational phase. Investigators said the suspect had not yet acquired all the materials necessary to carry out an attack, although some components had reportedly been ordered before his arrest.
Searches conducted in Crete and Athens led to the seizure of mobile phones, a laptop computer, external hard drives, and bank cards. Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that police also recovered laboratory equipment and chemicals that could potentially be used in the construction of explosive devices.
According to police, the suspect is also being investigated for traveling abroad to receive training. Greek authorities allege he had connections to Hamas and was linked to a group of four Palestinians recently arrested in Cyprus on terrorism-related charges.
Reports from Israeli media indicate that investigators believe the suspect traveled to Malaysia, where he allegedly received additional explosives training. Authorities are also examining whether Israeli sites or interests elsewhere in Europe may have been considered as possible targets.
The Crown Iris, operated by Israeli cruise company Mano Maritime, is scheduled to visit Crete this week. The vessel has previously faced disruptions related to regional tensions. In 2025, pro-Palestinian protesters on the Greek island of Syros prevented passengers from coming ashore, forcing the ship to alter its itinerary.
Greek police said the suspect will appear before a magistrate as investigators continue to examine the extent of the alleged plot and any possible connections to broader networks operating in the region.
