Italy Cracks Down on Alleged Hamas Fundraising Network
Right now, there’s a major story unfolding in Italy that has drawn international attention, and it centers on allegations of terrorist financing hidden behind humanitarian work. Italian authorities have arrested nine people who are accused of raising millions of euros for Hamas over a period of more than two years. According to investigators, the money was publicly presented as aid meant to help Palestinian civilians, but it was allegedly diverted to support the militant group instead.
Italian police say around €7 million was raised through what has been described as a complex and carefully structured fundraising system. While donations were collected under the banner of humanitarian relief, investigators believe that more than 70% of those funds eventually ended up in Hamas-linked accounts. Alongside the arrests, assets worth over €8 million were seized as part of the operation, marking one of Italy’s most significant counter-terror financing actions in recent years.
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The investigation was led jointly by Italy’s counter-terrorism police and financial crime units, with prosecutors in Genoa coordinating the effort. It reportedly began before the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, after suspicious financial transactions were flagged. Those transactions, when examined closely, revealed a network headquartered in Genoa with branches operating in Milan. Funds were allegedly moved through multiple associations and foreign intermediaries to avoid banking controls.
Authorities claim that the money was not only used to support Hamas’ military wing but also to assist the families of suicide bombers and individuals detained for terrorism-related offences. Prosecutors argue that this kind of financial support helped strengthen Hamas’ operational capacity, even when disguised as charitable assistance.
One of the most prominent figures named in the case is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. He has been identified by investigators as a central figure in the alleged network. However, Hannoun has denied any direct link to Hamas, stating publicly that while he supports what he calls the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people, he is not involved in terrorist activity. Italian officials, including Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, have emphasized that the presumption of innocence must still apply at this stage of the legal process.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny across Europe over how extremist groups may exploit humanitarian causes to raise funds. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation, saying it exposed how charitable initiatives can sometimes be used as a cover for far more dangerous activities.
As the case moves through the courts, it is expected to raise difficult questions about oversight, international cooperation, and how governments balance legitimate humanitarian support with the need to prevent terrorism financing. For now, Italian authorities are presenting this operation as a strong message that such activities will be pursued aggressively, no matter how carefully they are concealed.
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