Suspected Hamas member detained in Cyprus over weapons procurement

BERLIN, March 10 (Reuters) - ‌Cypriot authorities ​have ​detained a suspected member of Palestinian militant group Hamas wanted in ‌Germany for procuring weapons and ammunition ⁠for attacks on Israeli or Jewish facilities, German ‌federal prosecutors said on ‌Tuesday.

The Lebanese-born suspect, identified only as Kamel M. in line with German privacy rules, ​was detained at Cyprus' Larnaca airport on March 6, arriving from Lebanon, they ⁠added in a statement.

The suspect is wanted in relation to ​the transport of 300 rounds of live ammunition, according to prosecutors. It ​wasn't clear from the statement ‌where the rounds had come from, or where they were thought ⁠to be heading.

"The operation served as preparation for deadly Hamas attacks on Israeli or ⁠Jewish institutions in Germany and Europe," they said.

Police also ​searched the suspect's apartment in Berlin.

Once Kamel M. is extradited to Germany, a judge will decide on ‌pre-trial detention, the statement said.

Attacks against Jews and Jewish targets have ‌risen worldwide since Israel's war against ⁠Hamas in Gaza, ‌triggered by the ​militant group's 2023 attacks on Israel.

(Reporting by Thomas Seythal; Editing by Sharon ‌Singleton)

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