Italian authorities announced the arrest of nine individuals accused of funneling millions of euros to Hamas through fraudulent charitable organizations.
The arrests were carried out on Saturday in a sweeping counterterrorism operation led by anti-mafia and anti terrorism units based in Genoa.
Prosecutors say the suspects used humanitarian aid appeals as a front to secretly finance the Palestinian militant group.
Investigators seized more than €8 million in assets tied to the network, which had allegedly been operating for years.
Officials said the suspicious financial flows began well before Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The suspects were primarily linked to three Italy-based charities that claimed to provide relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Authorities say the charities collected donations from well-meaning donors under the guise of humanitarian assistance.
However, investigators determined that more than 71% of the funds were diverted to Hamas-affiliated entities.
That amounted to roughly €7 million redirected over the past two years, according to prosecutors.
“The suspects collected donations intended for the civilian population of Gaza,” Italian State Police said.
“It emerged that over 71 percent of these funds were diverted to Hamas’ coffers to finance its military wing,” the statement continued.
Police said the money also supported families of suicide bombers and individuals detained for terrorism related activities.
The alleged scheme was coordinated through a centralized system based in Genoa with branches extending to Milan.
Authorities also identified international connections and said the investigation involved cooperation with Dutch officials.
The operation was coordinated through Eurojust, the European Union’s judicial cooperation agency, according to Trending Politics.
Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, identified as the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy.
Prosecutors said the organization presented itself as a supporter of civilians while acting as a financial conduit.
Funds were allegedly transferred to Hamas-linked associations operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
“The individuals are specifically accused of carrying out financing operations believed to have contributed to terrorist activities,” police said.
Italian officials have not released the nationalities of all suspects but described the probe as multinational in scope.
The investigation began after authorities detected irregular financial patterns tied to the charities’ accounts.
Those findings triggered a deeper review of donation flows and international transfers.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the arrests and called the case a major breakthrough.
“This was a particularly complex and important operation,” Meloni said in a statement.
She added that it exposed terrorism financing hidden behind “so called charity organizations.”
Italian authorities emphasized that humanitarian aid must never be exploited to fund violence.
Officials warned donors to remain vigilant about where their money is sent.
Prosecutors said additional arrests and seizures remain possible as the investigation continues.
Authorities stressed that the case highlights how terror networks exploit goodwill to bankroll extremism.
The suspects now face charges tied to terrorist financing under Italian law.
If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences.
Italian police said the operation sends a clear message.
“Charity will never be allowed to serve as a shield for terrorism,” officials said.
