Investigations reveal ties between Italian left-wing parties and Hamas

Hanoun established multiple associations that outwardly presented themselves as humanitarian charities but channeled funds to Hamas’ military wing.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A series of investigative reports published by the Rome-based newspaper Il Tempo reveal connections between senior figures in Italy’s radical left-wing political parties and Mohammed Hannoun, a veteran Hamas terrorist living in Genoa.

The reports allege that both the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party have maintained contact with Hannoun and his associates, even as the Hamas financier faces international sanctions.

Hannoun, 62, has resided in Italy for decades and is widely known to Western intelligence services.

He established multiple associations that outwardly presented themselves as humanitarian charities but, according to Israeli and American authorities, channeled funds to Hamas’ military wing.

In December 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned him as a “veteran fundraiser” for the group.

Following the October 7 massacre, Italian financial institutions closed his accounts, and major providers such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal blocked his transfers.

Despite these measures, Hannoun reportedly continues to raise money through new organizations and shell companies.

The Il Tempo series also detailed how Hannoun and his longtime associate, Palestinian activist Sulaiman Hijazi, have appeared publicly alongside prominent figures, including UN envoy Francesca Albanese, who has faced criticism for remarks minimizing Hamas atrocities.

Photos circulated by the newspaper show Hannoun with senior Hamas leaders Khaled Mashal and the late Ismail Haniyeh.

Hannoun has openly voiced support for Hamas since October 7, calling the assault on Israel “an act of self-defense” and praising leaders killed in the war.

In November 2024, he lauded Muslim youths who attacked Israeli fans in Amsterdam, later declaring: “I am a supporter of Hamas, just as I support any organization that fights for my rights.”

While Italian left-wing parties have dismissed the Il Tempo revelations as smear tactics, they have not addressed the substance of their reported ties to Hannoun.

The investigations raise serious questions about the growing alignment between elements of Italy’s political left and Hamas-linked figures.