Italy uncovers Hamas funding network disguised as Palestinian aid

Italian authorities have uncovered a scheme in which around €7 million, raised under the guise of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population, was funnelled to the Hamas organisation, Corriere Della Sera reports.

In connection with the case, nine people have been arrested in Genoa, including alleged members of Hamas’ overseas wing. Investigators revealed that the funding was channelled through charitable organisations.

The three NGOs implicated are:

• Association for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, founded in Genoa in 1994;

• A similar volunteer organization established in 2003;

• Charitable Association “La Cupola d’Oro” (Golden Dome), opened in Milan in 2003.

Italian authorities say all three NGOs were controlled by Mohammed Hannoun, a member of Hamas’ overseas wing and head of the Italian cell. Hannoun has also been arrested, according to ANSA.

Funds were reportedly transferred through international financial networks to Hamas-linked organizations in Gaza and other regions, including officials in the Gaza government. Italian authorities stated that under the cover of humanitarian work, there was systematic financing of terrorism, and the Italian network was considered part of Hamas’ broader strategic international project.

Investigators say Hannoun directed more than 71% of the collected funds directly to Hamas or its affiliated structures, with total transfers since 2001 amounting to €7.29 million. Foreign partners, including Israel, assisted Italian authorities in the investigation.

By Khagan Isayev