Lifting the veil of TERROR MONEY in the EU

In a significant blow to terrorist financing networks operating in Europe, Italian authorities announced the arrest of nine individuals linked to three charitable organisations. These groups stand accused of funneling approximately seven million euros to Hamas, the Islamist terrorist group that controls Gaza. This operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by Hamas supporters who exploit humanitarian causes to sustain violence against Israel.

The arrests took place on 27 December 2025, following a thorough investigation coordinated by anti-terrorism prosecutors in Genoa. Among those detained is Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy. Prosecutors have identified him as the leader of Hamas's Italian cell. Hannoun, who has lived in Italy for decades and holds Jordanian citizenship, was already sanctioned by the United States Treasury in October 2024 for his alleged ties to Hamas funding channels.

Investigators revealed that over seventy-one percent of the donations collected under the guise of aiding Palestinian civilians were diverted directly to Hamas entities. These funds supported the group's military wing, known for rocket attacks and suicide bombings, and even went to families of terrorists involved in attacks. The money was transferred through sophisticated triangulation methods, involving bank transfers and foreign organisations, ultimately reaching associations in Gaza that Israel has long designated as illegal due to their direct control by or links to Hamas.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi praised the operation, stating that it lifted the veil on activities that pretended to help the Palestinian population but actually concealed support for terrorist organisations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also commended the authorities for dismantling this complex network. The probe involved cooperation with other EU countries, including the Netherlands, and benefited from intelligence shared with Israel.

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the European Union since 2003, a status that reflects its commitment to armed struggle and rejection of Israel's right to exist. The group's charter calls for jihad until Israel is destroyed, and its actions, including the barbaric 7 October 2023 attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took hundreds hostage, underscore why such designations are justified. This latest scandal shows how Hamas exploits well-meaning donors in the West, diverting aid meant for genuine humanitarian needs into fueling terrorism.

It is crucial to distinguish between legitimate support for Palestinian civilians and backing for Hamas, which uses Gaza as a base for attacks while holding its own people hostage to its extremist ideology. Many Palestinians suffer under Hamas rule, with resources squandered on tunnels and weapons rather than development. Israel, facing constant threats, has rightly outlawed these front groups to protect its citizens.

This case serves as a wake-up call. Charities claiming to aid Palestinians must face strict scrutiny to ensure funds do not end up arming terrorists. European nations, including Italy under its current government, are right to crack down on these networks. Supporting Israel in its fight against Hamas is not only a matter of solidarity with a fellow democracy but also essential for regional stability and countering radical Islamism.

As the EU extended its sanctions against Hamas financiers in January 2025, actions like this demonstrate resolve. The international community must remain vigilant. No cause justifies funding terrorism, and exposing these deceptive operations protects both innocent lives and the integrity of genuine charity. Israel deserves unwavering support as it defends itself against groups like Hamas that show no interest in peace.