Mohammed Alfatih, a former Hamas bodyguard recently convicted of a knife attack in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is also wanted in Germany for his alleged involvement in a plot targeting Jewish individuals in central Europe. The 40-year-old, who was found guilty of unlawful wounding, possession of knives, and criminal damage, attacked a bailiff outside his home last year while under counter-terrorism surveillance.
Alfatih, who was granted asylum in the UK in 2015 and citizenship in 2020, is the son of a senior Hamas official and had previously worked for a Hamas leader. His trial in Birmingham was conducted under reporting restrictions, and the jury was not informed of his Hamas links or that he was being monitored by a counter-terrorism unit.
Details of the Birmingham Conviction
The attack on bailiff Kevin Bucknall occurred on October 14, 2025. Alfatih used large kitchen knives to lash out at a van’s broken window and inflicted cuts to Bucknall’s head, requiring hospital treatment. He denied the charges, claiming self-defense. The jury convicted him by majority verdict of unlawful wounding, possession of two knives, and criminal damage, but acquitted him of wounding with intent.
German Allegations and Extradition Plans
While detained in the UK, Alfatih was rearrested following a German extradition request linking him to an alleged Hamas-led plot to attack Israeli targets in Germany and Austria around the second anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel. German prosecutors charged seven individuals suspected of involvement in this plot, with Alfatih described as having played a significant role in transporting and storing weapons and reportedly producing a video to claim responsibility.
The plot was reportedly disrupted by German domestic intelligence after a Mossad tipoff. Born in Germany, Alfatih is expected to be extradited after serving his sentence in the UK.
Government Commentary and Citizenship Concerns
A government source characterized the case as an example of previous border control failures under the last Conservative administration, which approved Alfatih’s asylum and citizenship. The current Labour government has recently introduced reforms requiring those granted citizenship to demonstrate they are good citizens and contributors to the country.
