Italian Authorities Arrest Nine Over Alleged Hamas Funding Through Charities
Italian authorities have arrested nine individuals connected to three charities suspected of funneling approximately 7 million euros ($8.2 million) to Hamas or Hamas-affiliated entities. The funds, intended for humanitarian aid, were allegedly routed through triangulated bank transfers and overseas organizations to Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel.
Investigations revealed that over 71% of the charity funds were reportedly earmarked for Hamas or related groups, with some money going to family members implicated in attacks. Among those detained was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who is described as the head of the Italian cell of Hamas.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called the operation "important and significant," emphasizing that it exposed charitable activities that concealed support for terrorist organizations. Authorities disclosed that funds were sent through associations based abroad to Gaza-based groups declared illegal by Israel due to their Hamas ties.
This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of Hamas financing. Hamas has governed Gaza since 2006 and is designated a terrorist organization by the US, UK, EU, and other countries. The incident occurred in Milan on December 27, 2025, with key details reported by The Associated Press and The Times of Israel.
