Nine individuals have been apprehended in Italy, accused of raising approximately €7 million (approximately £6 million) for Hamas over a period exceeding two years.
Italian police stated that the funds were ostensibly collected as humanitarian aid intended for Palestinian civilians. However, authorities allege the money was instead directed to Hamas via a structured fundraising system.
In connection with the arrests, law enforcement officials have also seized more than €8 million (approximately £7 million) in assets.
The suspects are formally accused of engaging in financing operations that are believed by authorities to have contributed to terrorist activities.