Overview
- Nine suspects, including activist Mohammad Hannoun, were placed in custody under a Genoa court order on accusations of belonging to and financing a foreign Hamas cell.
- The investigating judge wrote that at least 71% of tracked outflows went to entities or individuals linked to Hamas, with reporting estimating roughly €7.2 million raised since 2001 and some notes citing about $8 million.
- Prosecutors say funds were moved in cash hidden inside containers of medical equipment and via routes through Turkey and Egypt, with new associations such as La Cupola d’Oro and La Palma created after account blocks.
- The court cited a concrete flight risk for Hannoun, noting a planned departure for Istanbul on the day of the operation, as well as intercepted talks about wiping devices and praise for Hamas found in seized images.
- Part of the case file relies on material provided by Israeli authorities, a point the defense signals it will contest, while small pro‑Palestine protests demanded Hannoun’s release and political figures traded accusations over past ties.