FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Italian authorities have arrested nine people linked to three charities on suspicion of raising millions of euros in funds for the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
According to Italian media, anti-terrorism prosecutors say the suspects are accused of sending around 7 million euros ($8.2 million) to associations based in Gaza, the Palestinian territories or Israel, owned, controlled or linked to Hamas.
Prosecutors said that among those arrested was Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, describing him as the head of the Italian cell of the Hamas organization.
The European Union has included Hamas on its list of terrorist organizations.
According to Italian prosecutors, who collaborated with other EU countries in the investigation, the illicit funds were delivered through triangulation operations via bank transfers or via organizations based abroad to associations based in Gaza, which have been declared illegal by Israel for their links to Hamas.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi wrote in X that they were disguised as initiatives in favor of the Palestinian population, while concealing support and participation in terrorist organizations.
There was no immediate comment from the suspects or the associations.
In January 2022, the European Council decided to extend existing restrictive measures against 12 individuals and three entities supporting the financing of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Lini një Përgjigje