Italian authorities made waves yesterday with the arrest of nine individuals accused of funneling €7 million ($8.2 million) to Hamas through charity fronts. The operation, led by anti-mafia and anti-terrorism units, marks one of Europe’s most significant counterterrorism moves this year.
Prosecutors in Genoa revealed that funds meant for humanitarian aid were allegedly diverted over two years to groups linked to Hamas, which the EU designates as a terrorist organization. Among those detained was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, described by investigators as the head of Hamas’s "Italian cell."
🕵️♂️ Police seized assets worth €8 million, while Dutch authorities and Eurojust aided the cross-border probe. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hailed the operation as a critical strike against "so-called charity organizations" funding terrorism.
This crackdown comes as EU nations ramp up efforts to dismantle financial networks tied to extremist groups. With 71% of donations reportedly reaching Hamas affiliates in Gaza and beyond, the case underscores growing concerns about misuse of charitable systems.
