Italian officials have apprehended nine individuals associated with three charities, suspecting them of collecting millions of euros intended for the terrorist group Hamas.
The claims suggest approximately 7 million euros (around 820 million yen) were directed to “entities located in Gaza, the Palestinian Territories, or Israel that are owned, controlled, or linked to Hamas,” according to a statement from the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office.
Interestingly, while these charities claimed to be gathering donations for humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, a significant portion—over 71%—of their funds allegedly supported Hamas and related terrorist organizations. Some of this money reportedly reached “families linked to terrorist attacks.”
Among those arrested was Mohammad Hanoun, who serves as the head of the Palestine Association in Italy. Prosecutors have referred to him as “the head of the Italian branch of the Hamas organization.”
The financial support was reportedly funneled through “triangulation operations,” utilizing bank transfers or overseas groups directing funds back to Gaza, which Israel has outlawed due to its association with Hamas.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi remarked that the operation was “important and significant,” revealing activities that disguised support for terrorist organizations under the pretense of helping the Palestinian populace.
Hamas, which has been in control of the Gaza Strip since 2006, is designated as a terrorist group by a number of nations and international bodies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Fox News Digital sought a statement from the Israeli embassy in Italy regarding these events.
