Italian Authorities Arrest Nine for Funding Hamas

Italian police arrested nine people on Saturday. They helped send money to the Hamas group. These people worked for three charity groups. Prosecutors say these groups funded a terror organization.

Around 7 million euros were sent. This money went to groups linked to Hamas. These groups were based in Gaza or Israel. Hamas is listed as a terror group by the EU.

One important person arrested was Mohammad Hannoun. He led a Palestinian association in Italy. Prosecutors said he was the head of Hamas in Italy. His group worked from that country.

The money was sent through special bank transfers. They used organizations located in other countries. These foreign groups then sent money to Gaza. Groups in Gaza are illegal in Israel.

Minister Matteo Piantedosi spoke about this case. He said they found hidden support for terrorists. These actions looked like help for people. But they secretly helped terror groups instead.