Muslim Brotherhood-linked orgs found active in Italy, receive funding from Qatar

Five organizations operating in Italy are allegedly affiliated with the global Muslim Brotherhood network, according to a new report by Israel’s Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Ministry. The identified groups include the Union of Islamic Communities and Organizations in Italy (UCOII), Young Muslims of Italy (GMI), Bayan Institute, The Islamic Alliance of Italy (AII), and Association of Palestinians in Italy (API).

While these organizations publicly present themselves as community-focused and apolitical, the ministry claims evidence links them to the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly through associated individuals. The report highlights a perceived disconnect between their stated support for integration and dialogue and the narratives they allegedly promote, such as comparing Israel to Nazis and implicitly endorsing terrorism. These groups reportedly organize conferences, camps, cultural events, and protests, often in collaboration with pan-European Muslim Brotherhood bodies, radical left-wing groups, and pro-Palestinian organizations.

Since the October 7 attacks, the report contends that these Muslim Brotherhood-identified organizations in Italy have intensified their focus from religious and communal matters to political incitement, sometimes employing violent rhetoric. This includes using terms like "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing," alongside fabricated or decontextualized images. Financially, the organizations are said to utilize a decentralized funding model, receiving local donations, tax allocations, and foreign funding from Qatar and Kuwait. UCOII, specifically, is noted to have received at least €30 million from the Qatari charity Nectar Trust/Qatar Charity.

The report cites the arrest of an Italian Hamas activist in December 2025 and the exposure of a multi-million euro Hamas financing network as examples of the risks associated with using legitimate welfare and charitable systems for extremist purposes. The ministry asserts that these organizations maintain personal connections to the Muslim Brotherhood.