Italian authorities have made a significant breakthrough in a major counter-terrorism investigation, leading to the arrest of nine individuals accused of financing the Hamas militant group.
Major Anti-Terrorism Operation Unfolds
In a coordinated crackdown, Italian police, working with anti-terrorism prosecutors, detained nine people connected to three separate charitable organizations. The suspects are alleged to have raised a substantial sum of money, estimated at around 7 million euros (approximately £6.1 million), which was then directed to support Hamas activities.
The operation, which culminated in arrests on December 29, 2025, revealed a sophisticated network. Prosecutors stated the funds were sent to "associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel" that are owned, controlled, or have direct links to Hamas. These recipient associations have been declared illegal by Israel.
How the Alleged Funding Network Operated
Investigators detailed that the illicit financing was carried out through complex "triangulation operations." This method involved moving money via international bank transfers or through organizations based outside Italy to ultimately reach the Hamas-linked groups in Gaza. The operation was a collaborative effort, with Italian officials working alongside counterparts from other European Union countries.
Among those arrested was a prominent figure identified as Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Prosecutors have described Hannoun as the "head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organisation," highlighting the alleged significance of his role within the network.
Consequences and Official Statements
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi addressed the operation on social media platform X. He stated that the investigation successfully "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."
This case underscores a critical challenge for European security agencies: distinguishing between legitimate humanitarian aid and covert financing for groups designated as terrorist entities. Both the European Union and the United Kingdom officially designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, making any financial support to it a serious criminal offence.
The arrests signal Italy's firm stance against international terror financing and its commitment to dismantling networks that exploit charitable fronts for violent purposes.
