Italian authorities have arrested nine individuals linked to three charitable organizations on allegations of raising around 7 million euros (approximately $8.2 million) intended for the Palestinian militant group Hamas. According to a statement from anti-terrorism prosecutors, these funds were allegedly funneled to various associations in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel that are owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas.

Among those detained is Mohammad Hannoun, identified as the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy and described by prosecutors as the leader of the Italian cell of Hamas. The European Union classifies Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Prosecutors reported that the funds were transferred through complex operations involving bank transactions and foreign organizations, which sent money to associations in Gaza that have been deemed illegal by Israel due to their connections to Hamas. The charities involved claimed to be collecting donations for humanitarian purposes aimed at supporting the Palestinian population. However, it has been reported that over 71% of the funds were allocated for the direct financing of Hamas or related entities, with some money purportedly sent to family members of individuals implicated in terrorist activities.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi characterized the operation as significant, suggesting it revealed activities that, while presented as humanitarian initiatives, were actually facilitating and supporting terrorist organizations. In January 2025, the European Council had already decided to extend existing sanctions against individuals and entities involved in financing Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, reflecting ongoing concerns about the intersection of humanitarian efforts and militant financing.