In January 2021, four men were arrested in France, Germany, and Norway in connection with an alleged Hamas-directed plot to launch terrorist attacks in France. The men were identified as Salim Aouidate, 54, a Frenchman of Palestinian origin; Le Aarab Shehada, 33, a German citizen; and Omar Abu Romouz and Tarek Abu Romouz, a father-son team from Norway.
All four are believed to have links to the Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas. French officials alleged the four had plotted to carry out attacks on behalf of the terror group in France. After searches of the four men’s properties, police discovered computers, phones, and a drone, as well as maps and documents with locations believed to have been scouted for potential attacks.
Hamas has denied any involvement with the alleged plot, and has yet to comment on the arrests.
