Italy Arrests Nine in Major Hamas Funding Probe, Authorities Say

Italian police arrested nine people on Saturday in a major case linked to Hamas funding. The arrests took place across several regions in Italy. Anti-terror prosecutors said the group moved money to Hamas through charity networks. The case involves about seven million euros. The operation was confirmed by Italy’s anti-terror unit.

Police officers inspect a charitable association supporting Palestinian civilians in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 after Italian investigators have arrested nine people suspected of raising millions of euros for Hamas. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP)

Authorities said the funds flowed through three charitable groups. They said these groups claimed to support civilians in Gaza. Prosecutors said the money instead went to bodies linked to Hamas. Reuters and other major outlets reported that the sweep followed a long investigation. Officials said they worked with several EU states during the probe.

Italy’s Hamas Funding Case Draws EU-Level Attention

Prosecutors named Mohammad Hannoun among the arrested. They said he led the Palestinian Association in Italy. They called him the head of an Italian Hamas cell. Officials said the group used bank transfers and foreign channels to hide the money trail. AP and Reuters both noted that the EU lists Hamas as a terror group.

Authorities said the charities used “triangulation” to move money. They said the funds went from accounts in Europe to groups in Gaza. Israel has banned these groups for their links to Hamas. Italian officials said the charities hid their intent behind aid appeals. They said the groups claimed to help Palestinians in need but funded terrorism instead.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi posted a statement on X. He said the case exposed activities that posed as humanitarian work. He said these efforts instead supported terror networks. Officials said more checks on charity groups will follow. They said this case shows the risk of misused aid routes.

Why the Italy Hamas Investigation Matters Beyond Italy

The arrests come amid tight EU scrutiny on terror financing. The European Council extended sanctions in 2022 for groups tied to Hamas. The new Italian case shows that networks are still active. Security analysts told major outlets that such networks can run for years. They often use small transactions to avoid quick detection.

The operation may also shift how EU states track charity funds. Many groups move donations into conflict zones. Officials said stronger checks may be needed when groups work in Gaza. Experts said this case may lead to tighter bank rules. They said banks may now flag more cross-border donations.

The arrests also affect the Palestinian community in Italy. Many rely on charity groups for local aid. Officials said legal charities will not be harmed. They said the probe only targets groups linked to banned bodies. But community leaders said they fear confusion and stigma. They asked the state for clear guidance on charity rules.

Italy’s Hamas funding probe shows how complex charity oversight can be. The case also puts new pressure on groups that send money overseas. The next steps may shape how Italy tracks terror finance tied to Hamas.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Italy Hamas funding case about?

It is about nine people accused of sending seven million euros to Hamas-linked groups. Authorities said they used charity networks. The money moved through Europe into Gaza.

Q2: Who is the main suspect?

Prosecutors named Mohammad Hannoun. They said he led the Palestinian Association in Italy. They called him the head of an Italian Hamas cell.

Q3: How did the money move?

Officials said the group used bank transfers and foreign routes. They said charities helped mask the transactions. They called this “triangulation.”

Q4: Why is this case important for the EU?

It shows that terror finance networks still operate inside the EU. It may lead to stronger rules on charity funding. It also aligns with past EU sanctions on Hamas.

Q5: Did the suspects comment?

There was no reply from the suspects. There was also no comment from the three groups named. Officials said the probe will continue.

Trusted Sources

Reuters
AP News
BBC News