Italian authorities have arrested nine individuals suspected of secretly sending millions of euros to the Palestinian group Hamas through charities based in Italy, officials said in a statement. The operation, led by anti mafia and anti terrorism prosecutors in the northern city of Genoa, is one of the most significant crackdowns on alleged terror financing in the country in recent years.
Prosecutors said those arrested are accused of raising funds under the guise of humanitarian aid and then diverting roughly seven million euros to organisations linked to Hamas over the past two years. Police also seized assets worth more than eight million euros as part of the investigation, including over one million euros in cash found in the offices of one charity and in the homes of suspects.
The probe began after suspicious financial transactions were flagged by authorities in the Netherlands and other European Union countries. The cooperation was co ordinated through the EU judicial agency Eurojust, and Dutch officers worked alongside Italian investigators to trace the flow of funds.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation, describing it as complex and crucial in uncovering a network that allegedly channelled money to support a group listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and other allies. Meloni described the arrests as a firm demonstration of Italy’s commitment to fighting terrorism and financial crimes.
Israeli intelligence agencies also played a role in the investigation by sharing information and evidence with Italian law enforcement, according to official statements. This international cooperation was highlighted as a key factor in uncovering the alleged scheme.
The arrests have sparked protests by pro Palestinian groups in Italy. Demonstrators gathered in Milan to denounce the crackdown and criticised Italian authorities, arguing that the actions amounted to repression and unfairly targeted supporters of Palestinian rights. Some activists have said that Palestinians have a legitimate right to resist occupation and that the label of terrorism is unjust.
The developments come amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen significant loss of life since October 2023. The war began after a large scale attack by Hamas on southern Israel, an event that dramatically escalated tensions in the region.
Italian officials have not released the names of all individuals arrested, but authorities say the investigation is continuing and further actions may be taken as the case develops. The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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