Italian Police Arrest Hamas Financiers, Exposing Europe’s Protest Movements As Cover For Terror Funding Networks.
Italian authorities have delivered a major blow to Hamas’ financial lifelines in Europe, arresting seven individuals accused of raising millions of euros for the Gaza-based terror organization. Police also issued international arrest warrants for two additional suspects believed to be operating outside the country, underscoring the transnational scope of the network.
According to investigators from the Polizia di Stato, the suspects allegedly funneled approximately €7 million to entities in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, and Israel that were “owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas.” The arrests come amid months of large-scale anti-Israel demonstrations across Italy, particularly in Milan, where protests drew hundreds of thousands and provided fertile ground for radical fundraising narratives.
Authorities revealed that three associations—publicly presenting themselves as humanitarian groups supporting Palestinian civilians—were in fact used as financial fronts. While donations were solicited under the banner of aid, police say more than 71 percent of the funds were diverted directly to Hamas or to affiliated structures. Portions of the money reportedly reached family members of terrorists involved in past attacks.
Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, identified by Italian media as the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the operation “lifted the veil” on activities that masqueraded as humanitarian solidarity while actively supporting terrorism.
The case validates long-standing Israeli warnings that Hamas systematically exploits charities, protests, and civil society organizations in Western democracies to bankroll violence. While Israel faces relentless criticism for defending itself, this investigation demonstrates how terror networks embed themselves within permissive environments far from the battlefield.
The arrests also align with broader European action. Earlier this year, the European Council extended sanctions against individuals and entities involved in financing Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, reflecting growing recognition that terror funding remains a critical vulnerability.
Italy’s operation sends a clear message: funding terrorism—whether disguised as activism or aid—will be prosecuted. For Israel, the case reinforces a central truth of modern counterterrorism: the fight is not only against rockets and gunmen, but against the financial and ideological ecosystems that sustain them across borders.Italian authorities have delivered a major blow to Hamas’ financial lifelines in Europe, arresting seven individuals accused of raising millions of euros for the Gaza-based terror organization. Police also issued international arrest warrants for two additional suspects believed to be operating outside the country, underscoring the transnational scope of the network.
According to investigators from the Polizia di Stato, the suspects allegedly funneled approximately €7 million to entities in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, and Israel that were “owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas.” The arrests come amid months of large-scale anti-Israel demonstrations across Italy, particularly in Milan, where protests drew hundreds of thousands and provided fertile ground for radical fundraising narratives.
Authorities revealed that three associations—publicly presenting themselves as humanitarian groups supporting Palestinian civilians—were in fact used as financial fronts. While donations were solicited under the banner of aid, police say more than 71 percent of the funds were diverted directly to Hamas or to affiliated structures. Portions of the money reportedly reached family members of terrorists involved in past attacks.
Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, identified by Italian media as the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the operation “lifted the veil” on activities that masqueraded as humanitarian solidarity while actively supporting terrorism.
The case validates long-standing Israeli warnings that Hamas systematically exploits charities, protests, and civil society organizations in Western democracies to bankroll violence. While Israel faces relentless criticism for defending itself, this investigation demonstrates how terror networks embed themselves within permissive environments far from the battlefield.
The arrests also align with broader European action. Earlier this year, the European Council extended sanctions against individuals and entities involved in financing Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, reflecting growing recognition that terror funding remains a critical vulnerability.
Italy’s operation sends a clear message: funding terrorism—whether disguised as activism or aid—will be prosecuted. For Israel, the case reinforces a central truth of modern counterterrorism: the fight is not only against rockets and gunmen, but against the financial and ideological ecosystems that sustain them across borders.
