Italy Arrests Nine for Allegedly Financing Hamas; PM Giorgia Meloni Praises Security Forces.
Rome:
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday expressed strong appreciation and satisfaction over a major counter-terrorism operation that led to the arrest of nine individuals accused of financing the militant group Hamas through charitable associations, involving transactions exceeding seven million euros.
Calling the operation “particularly complex and of great importance,” Meloni said it represents a significant step in Italy’s efforts to combat international terrorism and the illegal financing networks that support it. The arrests were carried out following a coordinated investigation led by judicial and security agencies across the country.
Among those arrested is Mohammad Mahmoud Ahmad Hannoun, president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy. According to investigators, Hannoun is described as “a member of the foreign department of the terrorist organization Hamas” and the alleged “head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organization.” Authorities believe the network used associations as a front to channel funds to Hamas.
In an official statement, Prime Minister Meloni thanked all institutions involved in the operation. “I express my heartfelt thanks, personally, on behalf of my staff and the entire Government, to all those who made this operation possible,” she said.
She specifically acknowledged the work of the Genoa Prosecutor’s Office, the National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate, the State Police, and the Finance Guard (Guardia di Finanza) for their investigative and operational roles. Meloni also highlighted the crucial intelligence contribution of AISE – the Agency for Information and External Security, which provided key information support during the investigation.
The Prime Minister underlined that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between judicial authorities, law enforcement agencies and intelligence services in safeguarding national and international security. She reiterated the Italian government’s firm stance against terrorism in all its forms, stressing that Italy will not allow its territory or financial systems to be used to support extremist organizations.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to analyze financial flows and organizational links connected to the case. Legal proceedings against the accused will follow under Italy’s anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws.
Meloni concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening preventive measures, international cooperation and intelligence capabilities to counter terrorism financing networks, stating that “Italy remains vigilant and determined to defend the rule of law, security and democratic values.”
