Italy Arrests Nine Accused of Sending Gaza Aid Funds to Hamas

Italian police have arrested nine people accused of secretly raising about $8 million USD for Hamas over two years.

The arrests come amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Israel launched heavy military operations in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 attack, killing thousands of Palestinians and destroying large parts of the territory. Civilians in Gaza now face severe shortages of food, water, and medical care, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Authorities said the money was collected under the guise of humanitarian aid for Palestinians but was instead funnelled to Hamas through a complex fundraising system.

Police said more than 70% of donations intended for civilians in Gaza were diverted to Hamas’s military wing and to families of suicide bombers or detainees.

Among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. He denied links to Hamas, insisting he only supports what he called the “legitimate resistance” of the Palestinian people.