Italian authorities arrested nine people believed to be part of an active Hamas cell operating in Genoa, in a major counterterrorism operation over the weekend of December 27 and 28.
The operation involved dozens of security agents, and highlighted an increasingly blurred line between humanitarian activity and militant organisations financing.
The organisations involved presented themselves as charities providing aid to Palestinians, but prosecutors allege significant portions of the funds they raised were diverted to Hamas’ operational and military activities.
The network went “far beyond fundraising for humanitarian aid, forming part of a broader effort in support of terrorism”, said Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who authorised the operation.
The investigation began when authorities discovered suspicious financial transaction reports. It was subsequently expanded into wiretaps, monitoring of money flows, document seizures —which included undercover operations — and close international judicial cooperation with the Netherlands and other European authorities via Eurojust, the EU hub for cooperation in criminal matters.
Mohammad Hannoun, originally from Ramallah and a resident of Italy for more than 40 years, is accused of leading the Italian Hamas cell and was at the centre of the investigation.
Between 2018 and 2025, Hannoun and his associates allegedly channelled €7 million through three organisations publicly claiming to provide humanitarian assistance.
According to court documents, though, Hannoun held a political and organisational leadership role for Hamas in Europe. He coordinated the organisation’s fundraising activities and acted as a key intermediary between Italy-based associations and the group’s leadership abroad.
Media reports in Italy have highlighted Hannoun’s connections with senior Hamas figures and high-level Italian politicians.
Over the years, he and his organisations positioned themselves as interlocutors with Italian institutions on Palestinian issues. He engaged particularly with left-wing movements and parties, including Liberi e Uguali, the Democratic Party and former President of the Chamber of Deputies Laura Boldrini.
Hannoun was publicly seen at least once with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an 2024 Israeli strike.
Hannoun’s public profile increased sharply after October 7 2023, when he began organising pro-Gaza demonstrations across Italy. He shared platforms with prominent Italian politicians and international activists who included Greta Thunberg and organisers of the Freedom Flotilla.
Investigative sources warn the growing influence of Hamas-aligned networks, combined with Hannoun’s political access, expanded the group’s operational reach and transformed the case into both a security and political challenge.
During recent interrogations, Hannoun denied being a member of Hamas, describing himself instead as “a sympathiser” and portraying the group as the legitimate defender and representative of the Palestinian people. However, case files reportedly include transcripts of intercepted communications that investigators believe constitute admissions of his active involvement in Hamas.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the operation as a necessary measure to protect Italy’s democratic order. She said it “demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding Italy’s democratic system. We will not allow legitimate humanitarian causes to be exploited as channels for financing terrorism”.
The operation also underscored Italy’s coordination with US and Israeli authorities, which had previously imposed sanctions on Hannoun and the associated organisations.
Following the arrests, several pro-Hannoun demonstrations have taken place across Italy, with supporters publicly expressing solidarity with him and the other detainees. The Italian branch of the Freedom Flotilla also voiced its support.
