Terrorist at Large
A Month After Initial Report, Hamas Terrorist Roams Free in Antwerp
Hamas terrorist Mohanad al-Khatib, who was photographed in Israel on October 7th, seen enjoying Belgian Christmas market despite previous reports of his location
Mohanad al-Khatib, a Hamas terrorist who entered Israel on October 7, continues to live openly in Belgium more than a month after his presence there was first revealed by a watchdog organization.
The initial report, published in early November, identified al-Khatib and presented documentation placing him inside Israel during the October 7 assault. His subsequent presence in Belgium drew immediate concern from Jewish groups and counterterrorism advocates, who called on Belgian authorities to investigate. No public action was announced in response.
The issue returned to public view this week after Israeli Ambassador to Belgium Idit Rosenzweig-Abu released new photographs of al-Khatib at a Christmas market in Belgium. The images, taken in recent days, show him walking through the market area and freely photographing the festivities. The Ambassador noted that his ability to appear openly in crowded public spaces highlights how little has changed since the first report last month.
The watchdog behind the original findings reaffirmed that al-Khatib was part of the Hamas network operational on October 7. His continued presence in Belgium has renewed criticism from Jewish advocacy groups, who argue that the case illustrates a serious gap in Europe’s response to individuals linked to terror organizations.
The situation has also raised broader questions about the tools available to European governments when a person tied to a terror attack is discovered living within their borders. Critics say that without a clear legal pathway for rapid investigation or detention, public exposure alone leaves such cases unresolved.
Belgian authorities have not issued any public comment since the release of the new photographs. There has been no indication that al-Khatib has been questioned or restricted by law enforcement in the weeks following the initial exposure.
A month after the first warning, al-Khatib’s circumstances appear unchanged. With new images circulating of him at a Christmas market, pressure on Belgium to take action continues to intensify.