Italy Arrests 9 on Suspicion of Collecting Millions of Euros for Hamas

SadaNews - Italian authorities announced on Saturday the arrest of nine individuals suspected of being involved in collecting millions of euros for the benefit of Hamas, through activities that claimed to aim at providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The police stated that investigations also resulted in the issuance of arrest warrants for two additional individuals residing outside Italian territory.

According to estimates from law enforcement agencies in Italy, the suspected network has transferred nearly seven million euros to organizations operating in the Palestinian territories or within Israel that are under the control of Hamas or directly or indirectly linked to it. Italian media reports indicated that among the arrested is Mohamed Hanoon, who holds the position of President of the Palestinian Union in Italy.

For his part, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that the revelation of the case has lifted "the veil on behaviors and activities presented as humanitarian support for the Palestinian population, while in reality concealing support and involvement in organizations of an Islamist nature." He confirmed that his country would continue to pursue any financial activity suspected of being directed towards supporting organizations classified as terrorist, in coordination with the relevant security and judicial authorities.