Italian authorities have arrested seven people on suspicion of raising millions of euros for Hamas through charities that claimed to support Palestinian civilians. Police say the investigation uncovered a large-scale funding network that allegedly channelled money to a designated terrorist organisation, raising serious concerns about extremist financing in Europe, reports The Times of Israel.
Italian police said the arrests were carried out on Saturday, and that international arrest warrants had been issued for two additional suspects believed to be abroad. According to investigators, three associations operating in Italy presented themselves as humanitarian organisations but were allegedly used as fronts to transfer funds to Hamas-linked groups.
Police stated that approximately €7 million was raised and forwarded to associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel that were “owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas.” Authorities allege that more than 71 per cent of the charities’ income was directed either to Hamas itself or to organisations affiliated with the group, despite donors being told the money was intended for humanitarian relief.
The police statement added that some of the funds were transferred to family members of individuals involved in terrorist attacks. Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, identified by Italian media as the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, said the operation exposed activities that falsely presented themselves as humanitarian aid while concealing support for terrorism. He said the investigation had “lifted the veil on behaviour and activities which, pretending to be initiatives in favour of the Palestinian population, concealed support for and participation in terrorist organisations.”
The arrests come amid large-scale anti-Israel protests across Italy in recent months, which have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants. While the demonstrations themselves are not directly linked to the investigation, authorities have noted the broader climate in which extremist narratives and networks can operate.
There was no immediate response from the suspects or the organisations named in the investigation. The case also follows a decision by the European Council in January to extend sanctions against individuals and entities involved in financing Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Photo credit: Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP
More News
