Nine Arrested in Italy for Allegedly Raising €7m for Hamas
Nine people were arrested in Italy for allegedly raising around €7 million for Hamas over a period of more than two years. The funds, which were claimed to be humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, were reportedly diverted to Hamas through a complex fundraising network. Approximately 71% of the money went to Hamas's military wing or to the families of suicide bombers or detained individuals.
The investigation started following Hamas's attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, after reports surfaced of suspicious financial transactions. The fundraising operation was headquartered in Genoa, with branches in Milan, and involved Italy's counter-terror and financial police.
Authorities seized more than €8 million in assets related to the probe. The nine suspects, including Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, are accused of financing operations believed to contribute to terrorist activities. Hannoun has denied allegations of being a Hamas financier.
Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi commented on the case, emphasizing the need to respect the presumption of innocence at this stage.
