Italian authorities have arrested nine people linked to three charities on suspicion of raising millions of euros for the militant group Hamas.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors said the suspects channelled about €7m (£6m) to organisations in Gaza, the Palestinian territories and Israel that were allegedly owned, controlled or linked to Hamas.
The charities publicly claimed to be raising money for humanitarian aid for Palestinians. However, police said more than 71 per cent of the funds collected were diverted to directly finance Hamas or groups affiliated with it.
Investigators also alleged that part of the money was sent to family members involved in terrorist attacks.
Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Prosecutors described him as the head of Hamas’s Italian network.
Authorities said the funds were transferred through so-called “triangulation operations”, using bank transfers and intermediary organisations based abroad. The money ultimately reached groups in Gaza that have been declared illegal by Israel because of their alleged links to Hamas.
Italy’s interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, described the operation as “important and significant”. He said it exposed activities that were presented as support for the Palestinian population but in reality concealed backing for terrorist organisations.
It has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2006 and is designated a terrorist organisation by the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and several other countries.
