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Italy arrests seven suspects over Hamas financing
Rome, December 27, 2025 — Italian authorities have arrested seven people suspected of financing the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, police announced Saturday. Two additional suspects are subject to international arrest warrants and are currently abroad.
The investigation also targets three associations that claimed to support the Palestinian people but allegedly served as covers for funding Hamas. According to police statements, the nine individuals are accused of directing approximately seven million euros to organizations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories, or Israel linked to Hamas, including support for families of individuals involved in terrorist attacks.
Authorities reported that more than 71% of donations collected by the associations were used to directly finance Hamas or affiliated entities, despite their official humanitarian mission. Among those arrested is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy.
The operation is considered part of a broader strategic effort by Hamas, which has developed a complex network including overseas cells. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the arrests as “very important,” highlighting that charitable initiatives were allegedly used to mask support for terrorist activities.