In a development that has ignited fresh concerns over Europe’s immigration policies and counter-terrorism efforts, reports have emerged alleging that Mohanad al-Khatib, a Hamas operative implicated in the October 7th, 2023, massacre in Israel, is residing freely in Belgium and traveling unhindered across the continent.
The claims, highlighted by a Belgian antisemitism watchdog, underscore the potential risks posed by individuals with terrorist ties to Jewish communities and broader societal harmony within the EU. The Belgian Jewish Information Department (JID), an antisemitism monitoring group, has compiled a 65-page dossier detailing his alleged involvement, including images purportedly showing him inside Israel during the assault.
In the dossier, Al-Khatib was identified as a participant in the deadly Hamas-led incursion and attacks that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of hundreds in southern Israel. JID Vice President Ralph Païs confirmed that the dossier, which also documents al-Khatib’s anti-Israel propaganda activities from Belgian soil, has been submitted to authorities for action.
Al-Khatib, who reportedly presents himself as a freelance journalist, has been living in Brussels and moving freely within Europe, as part of Belgium’s intake of thousands of Gazans in recent years amid ongoing conflicts. This situation echoes earlier cases, such as the revocation of asylum for Mohammed Khatib (a separate individual), the European coordinator of the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun, which has been accused of glorifying terrorism and linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated terrorist organisation by the EU. In August 2025, Belgian officials stripped Mohammed Khatib of his refugee status citing national security risks, though he intended to appeal.
The allegations against Mohanad al-Khatib have gained traction on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users such as @VividProwess have amplified the story, claiming Europe is “full of Palestinian terrorists.” While such posts reflect public outrage, they also highlight the need for verified information amid rising tensions. An October 2025 investigation by Israel National News similarly reported that a Hamas militant filmed during the October 7 events was leading a double life in Brussels as a journalist, further fuelling calls for scrutiny.
Objectively, these reports come at a time when the EU is grappling with balancing humanitarian obligations and security imperatives. Belgium, like other member states, has welcomed refugees from conflict zones, including Gaza, in line with international asylum standards. However, the presence of individuals allegedly tied to terrorist acts raises legitimate questions about vetting processes and deportation enforcement.
In al-Khatib’s case, no official confirmation of his extradition or arrest has been issued by Belgian authorities despite the dossier’s submission. From a security perspective, allowing suspected terrorists and terrorism sympathisers to reside freely within the EU poses a direct threat to vulnerable communities, particularly Jewish populations already facing heightened antisemitism. Incidents of hate crimes have surged across Europe since October 7th, 2023, with Jewish institutions on high alert. The unchecked movement of such figures not only endangers lives but also erodes community cohesion, fostering division and mistrust in multicultural societies.
EU policies, including the Common European Asylum System, must prioritise robust background checks and swift action against those with credible links to extremism to safeguard citizens and uphold the bloc’s commitment to human rights without compromising safety. Experts argue that cases like al-Khatib’s exemplify broader systemic issues. “If our allies are banning or sanctioning groups for terrorist support, Belgium must not remain a blind spot in Europe,” noted Michael Freilich, a Belgian Jewish lawmaker, in reference to similar bans on Samidoun in Germany.
This could just be the tip of the iceberg: a source from JID states it has received other tips that are now being investigated.
The EU’s counter-terrorism coordinator has repeatedly emphasised the need for harmonised responses to threats from groups like Hamas, designated as a terrorist organisation by the EU since 2003. As investigations proceed, there are increasing calls for transparency from Belgian officials and for EU leaders to strengthen mechanisms for identifying and expelling individuals who pose risks. Protecting Jewish communities and maintaining social unity should not be partisan issues but core principles of European values. Failure to act decisively could embolden extremists and undermine the fragile peace within our borders.
Main Image: JID X account
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