Authorities say millions of euros raised under charitable cover were directed to Hamas-linked organisations in Gaza and Palestinian territoriesItalian authorities have arrested nine individuals suspected of funneling millions of euros to Hamas through ostensibly charitable organisations.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors revealed that the suspects, connected to three charities, allegedly sent approximately €7 million (£6.1 million) to associations in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel that are owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas.
The prosecutors explained that the funds were moved via “triangulation operations,” involving bank transfers and intermediary organisations abroad to reach the Gaza-based associations. Israel has declared these organisations illegal due to their ties to Hamas, which is recognised as a terrorist group by both the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, identified as the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy and described by prosecutors as the “head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organisation.”
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed on X that the operation “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.”
The arrests were carried out in collaboration with other European Union countries, highlighting a coordinated effort to disrupt financial networks supporting terrorism under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Post a Comment