Italian authorities have arrested nine people suspected of financing Hamas through charitable organisations operating in the country, in a major counter-terrorism operation that highlights growing European scrutiny of charity-linked funding channels amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The arrests were carried out on December 27 in coordinated raids across several Italian cities by anti-mafia and anti-terrorism police units, following a long-running investigation into the alleged misuse of humanitarian donations. Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, confirmed that those detained are accused of diverting funds raised under the guise of charitable aid to support Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the European Union.
Among those arrested is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, a prominent figure who has previously appeared at pro-Palestinian demonstrations and solidarity events. Prosecutors allege that organisations linked to the suspects collected donations purportedly intended for civilian relief in Gaza but instead channelled part of the money to Hamas-affiliated structures.
Investigators say the probe involved financial surveillance, monitoring of bank transfers, and cooperation with international intelligence partners. Authorities claim the network exploited public sympathy for civilians affected by the war in Gaza, using emotional appeals to solicit funds that were later redirected through complex financial routes to avoid detection.
Italian officials stressed that the operation does not target legitimate humanitarian work or peaceful political expression. “Italy fully supports lawful humanitarian aid to civilians in need,” a senior judicial source said, “but we will act decisively when charities are used as a cover for terrorism financing.”
The arrests come at a time of heightened security across Europe, as governments seek to prevent the spillover of Middle East conflicts onto their own soil. Several European countries have stepped up monitoring of non-profit organisations, particularly those operating in conflict zones, to ensure compliance with anti-terror financing laws.
Legal representatives for some of the suspects have denied the allegations, arguing that the organisations involved provided genuine humanitarian assistance and that the charges conflate political activism with criminal conduct. The suspects are expected to appear before a magistrate in the coming days, with prosecutors seeking pre-trial detention for those considered flight risks.
As investigations continue, the case is likely to fuel debate in Italy and beyond over how governments can balance the protection of civil liberties and humanitarian action with the need to prevent extremist groups from exploiting charitable systems for illicit ends.
