The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Mohammad Hannoun, a Hamas member based in Italy, on Monday for using a fraudulent charity to funnel funds to Hamas’s military wing. The charity, Associazione Benefica di Solidarietà con il Popolo Palestinese (ABSPP), translates to “Palestinian People Solidarity Charity Association” in English.
According to the Treasury, while the charity claims to raise funds for humanitarian purposes, it actually supports Hamas’s military wing. For over 10 years, Hannoun raised funds and sent at least $4 million to Hamas.
His designation is part of a broader enforcement action against individuals and entities that have participated in fundraising campaigns for Hamas.
Kharon uncovered that Hannoun used Italian bank accounts to redirect funds from the charity's recent fundraising campaigns under the guise of humanitarian aid.
According to the Treasury, while the charity claims to raise funds for humanitarian purposes, it actually supports Hamas’s military wing. For over 10 years, Hannoun raised funds and sent at least $4 million to Hamas.
His designation is part of a broader enforcement action against individuals and entities that have participated in fundraising campaigns for Hamas.
Kharon uncovered that Hannoun used Italian bank accounts to redirect funds from the charity's recent fundraising campaigns under the guise of humanitarian aid.
A 2012 meeting between Mohammad Hannoun (far left) and the now-deceased Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (right). Source: Meta
In October 2023, ABSPP launched a fundraising campaign titled "Gaza Under Attack," soliciting donations through bank accounts in Italy. Hannoun actively promoted the campaign on social media.
Over the past year, ABSPP has expanded its fundraising campaigns.
Donations were directed to a new bank account linked to an obscure Italian charity, Associazione Benefica La Cupola D’oro, which translates to “Golden Dome Charity Association” in English. La Cupola D'oro, which has a minimal public presence and no website, has now begun its own fundraising efforts for Gaza using the same bank account, raising questions about the group’s transparency and origins.
Over the past year, ABSPP has expanded its fundraising campaigns.
Donations were directed to a new bank account linked to an obscure Italian charity, Associazione Benefica La Cupola D’oro, which translates to “Golden Dome Charity Association” in English. La Cupola D'oro, which has a minimal public presence and no website, has now begun its own fundraising efforts for Gaza using the same bank account, raising questions about the group’s transparency and origins.
Bank accounts shared by ABSPP and Associazione Benefica La Cupola D'oro. Source: Meta
ABSPP’s activities in Gaza are linked to individuals with deep connections to Hamas.
ABSPP’s representative in Gaza, Osama Abd Al-Halim Tawfiq al-Issawi, previously held senior roles within the Hamas-controlled government. Al-Issawi served as Minister of Culture in 2010 and Minister of Transport in 2012. He also has ties to the Islamic University of Gaza, a Hamas-founded institution that ABSPP describes as a “successful partner” on its website.
ABSPP’s representative in Gaza, Osama Abd Al-Halim Tawfiq al-Issawi, previously held senior roles within the Hamas-controlled government. Al-Issawi served as Minister of Culture in 2010 and Minister of Transport in 2012. He also has ties to the Islamic University of Gaza, a Hamas-founded institution that ABSPP describes as a “successful partner” on its website.
Beyond his role at ABSPP, Hannoun leads two additional organizations in Italy: Assozione Dei Palestinesi in Italia and Europeans for Al-Quds, the latter being a coalition that supports Palestinian rights across Europe. Hannoun’s involvement in these organizations has allowed him to extend his influence beyond Italy, with both groups co-hosting events with the Palestinians in Europe Conference, a Berlin-based group where Hannoun also serves as a director.
The Palestinians in Europe Conference, which has been associated with Hamas leadership, has also been linked to Hamas representatives, including Adel Doughman and Majed al-Zeer. These representatives, who were also sanctioned on Monday, have appeared alongside Hannoun at numerous events, including the 15th annual Palestinians in Europe Conference in 2018.
The Palestinians in Europe Conference, which has been associated with Hamas leadership, has also been linked to Hamas representatives, including Adel Doughman and Majed al-Zeer. These representatives, who were also sanctioned on Monday, have appeared alongside Hannoun at numerous events, including the 15th annual Palestinians in Europe Conference in 2018.
Hannoun and his network highlight the scope of Hamas’s fundraising operations across Europe, raising concerns about the exploitation of non-profit organizations and charities by terrorist facilitators who use these entities to raise and move funds.
Kharon users can explore Mohammad Hannoun’s extensive network in this insight, available directly in the ClearView portal.
