The Italy Hamas financing probe has uncovered what Italian prosecutors describe as a structured financial pipeline that redirected millions of euros from charitable donations to Hamas-linked recipients, leading to nine arrests and the seizure of assets worth more than €8 million. Italy’s Guardia di Finanza coordinated the operation under the supervision of Genoa’s anti-terrorism prosecutors.
According to court filings, the Italian Hamas financing probe focuses on three Italy-based associations that publicly claimed to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Investigators allege that between 2021 and 2023, the organisations collected at least €7.3 million, with the majority of funds ultimately transferred to entities identified by Israeli authorities as being controlled by Hamas or acting on its behalf.
At the centre of the investigation is Mohammad Hannoun, a long-time activist and president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy. Prosecutors argue that Hannoun coordinated the fundraising network and maintained operational links with senior Hamas figures abroad. In the Italian Hamas financing probe, authorities describe him as the alleged organiser of financial transfers designed to evade banking controls, especially after major European banks closed accounts linked to the group.
Investigators say the network relied on indirect payment routes, using intermediaries in third countries to move funds after direct transfers became difficult. Court documents state that money was sent to banned organisations operating in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, and in some cases to families of individuals imprisoned for terrorism-related offences. Prosecutors argue that these payments, while framed as welfare support, indirectly strengthened Hamas’s infrastructure — a key claim within the Italy Hamas financing probe.
The investigation relied on extensive financial analysis, wiretaps, and international cooperation. Italian authorities worked closely with counterparts in Israel and the Netherlands to trace money flows and verify recipient organisations. Intercepted communications cited in court reportedly include expressions of approval for attacks in Israel and references to meetings with Hamas officials abroad, including alleged contacts in Turkey.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny across Europe over the use of charitable structures for illicit financing. Italian officials argue that the Italian Hamas financing probe demonstrates how humanitarian language can be exploited to conceal financial support for designated terrorist groups. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation, calling it evidence of Italy’s commitment to cutting off extremist funding networks.
Defence lawyers contest the accusations, insisting that donations were intended solely for humanitarian relief and questioning the reliance on Israeli classifications of recipient organisations. They argue that political interpretations of financial transfers risk criminalising legitimate solidarity efforts. These competing claims will be tested in court as proceedings advance.
Beyond the individual charges, the Italian Hamas financing probe is expected to influence how Italian authorities regulate charities operating in conflict zones, particularly around transparency, banking oversight, and cross-border transfers. Prosecutors suggest the case may set a benchmark for future counter-terrorism financing investigations across the EU.
