URGENT UPDATE: Italian authorities have just arrested nine individuals linked to three charitable organizations, accused of raising approximately €7 million (around $A12 million) to fund the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The arrests were confirmed by anti-terrorism prosecutors, who stated that these funds were allegedly funneled to “associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel” that are owned or controlled by Hamas.
Among those detained is Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, described by prosecutors as the “head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organisation.” The European Union has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, heightening the urgency of this investigation.
According to prosecutors, who worked in collaboration with other EU nations, the illicit funds were transferred through “triangulation operations.” This involved using bank transfers or foreign organizations to send money to associations in Gaza, which Israel has labeled as illegal due to their connections to Hamas.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi took to social media platform X, emphasizing that this operation has “lifted the veil on behavior and activities which, pretending to be initiatives in favor of the Palestinian population, concealed support for and participation in terrorist organizations.”
The investigation raises critical questions about the activities of charitable organizations operating in Italy and their potential ties to extremist groups. There has been no immediate comment from the suspects or the associations involved.
This operation follows the European Council’s decision in January 2022 to extend existing sanctions against 12 individuals and three entities linked to the financing of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. As the situation develops, authorities are likely to conduct further investigations into the networks supporting such organizations.
The implications of these arrests are profound, not only for security in Italy but also for international relations regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As more details emerge, the focus will turn to the ramifications for charitable organizations and their operations across Europe.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
