Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood: A Persistent Security Threat to Europe
In a worrying security development, German authorities recently announced the arrest of three individuals suspected of having links to Hamas, after they allegedly attempted to purchase weapons and ammunition to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish institutions in Germany. This incident serves as a reminder to Europe that terrorism is no longer confined to traditional conflict zones but has reached the heart of the continent. It also highlights the deep connection between Islamist extremist groups such as Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Hamas was founded in 1987 by members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine, with the initial goal of combining the Brotherhood’s Islamist ideology with Palestinian resistance. Although Hamas is recognized as a political and military movement, its ideological and organizational roots remain firmly grounded in the Brotherhood’s doctrines. Political and security experts affirm that Hamas is not merely a Palestinian resistance group but a direct extension of the Brotherhood’s rhetoric, promoting the same ideology—including the use of violence to achieve political aims.
The connection between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood is not merely historical; it extends to financial networks, recruitment channels, and strategic coordination, both locally and abroad. European authorities have long identified Brotherhood-linked networks in countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom as fertile ground for extremist activity. This connection demonstrates that Hamas is not an isolated Palestinian phenomenon but an international movement benefiting from the Brotherhood’s structural and ideological framework.
Security investigations reveal that the driving force behind these terrorist cells in Europe is not necessarily economic hardship or social exclusion but rather the radical religious discourse spread by the Muslim Brotherhood. This discourse relies on a rigid interpretation of Islamic texts and emphasizes an ongoing struggle between “believers” and “non-believers,” rejecting peaceful coexistence with other communities.
One of the most concerning elements is the Brotherhood’s effort to gain control over mosques and religious institutions across Europe to disseminate its ideology and cultivate followers. European studies have identified over 1,700 websites connected to the Muslim Brotherhood and political Islam, aiming to recruit young people and convince them to engage in “jihad” or support movements such as Hamas. Alongside online content, educational programs and training camps create a fertile ground for violent radicalization.
The recent incidents in Germany demonstrate that this threat is not theoretical but tangible. The attempt to purchase weapons and ammunition to target Jewish and Israeli institutions exposes the reality of small, organized cells operating discreetly, often taking advantage of weak oversight or Europe’s commitment to religious freedom.
To counter these dangers, European security strategies must adopt a multidimensional approach: tightening oversight of religious institutions that could be used for extremist purposes, combating online radicalization through legal regulation and international cooperation, and launching awareness programs for young people to challenge extremist ideas and reinforce values of tolerance and integration.
Beyond security measures, understanding the political and religious context of these groups is crucial. The Muslim Brotherhood, as the ideological parent organization of Hamas, uses Islam as a political tool to pursue strategic objectives beyond national borders. These objectives include fueling regional conflicts, inciting hatred, and exploiting religious values to justify violence.
Addressing this phenomenon requires a coherent political vision that bridges domestic and international security policies. European governments must recognize that allowing extremist narratives to flourish within their religious or social institutions poses not only a security threat but also a danger to social cohesion and democratic values.
In conclusion, the recent arrests in Germany are not isolated events but a sign that Europe remains vulnerable to cells connected to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. The roots of this extremist ideology run deep—from Palestine to the very core of Europe. Combating this threat requires an integrated response combining security vigilance, social awareness, and intellectual resistance to extremist discourse, ensuring the long-term stability and safety of European societies.
