rome, january 23, 2026 – A political dustup is brewing in Italy over photographs surfacing of opposition politicians alongside Sulaiman Hijazi, a figure currently under investigation in connection with a broad probe into alleged Hamas funding networks within the country. The controversy, initially ignited on social media, centers on accusations of hypocrisy, as some parties previously critical of associations with Hijazi and others linked too Palestinian militant groups are now facing scrutiny for their own documented encounters.
Photos Spark Debate Over Political Connections
The images have reignited a debate about the extent of engagement between Italian politicians and individuals connected to groups designated as terrorist organizations.
- Key Takeaway: Photographs show Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and Forza Italia senator Maurizio Gasparri with Sulaiman Hijazi.
- Key Takeaway: Hijazi’s lawyer claims the encounters where accidental and occurred in public places.
- Key Takeaway: Critics allege a double standard,pointing to past condemnations of similar interactions by opposition parties.
- Key Takeaway: The investigation centers on potential diversion of funds to Hamas through the Abspp association.
The initial volley came from Andrea Scanzi,who posted on Facebook questioning the recent emergence of photos depicting Matteo Salvini and Maurizio Gasparri with Hijazi,described as a “Pro-Pal” figure under investigation for terrorism. Scanzi’s post alluded to previous criticism leveled at other parties regarding their relationships with Hijazi and mohammad Hannoun, currently imprisoned on charges related to leading Palestinian terrorism.
According to reports, the photographs of Salvini and Gasparri with Hijazi were taken unexpectedly in public spaces.Luca Bauccio, Hijazi’s lawyer, explained to Il Fatto Quotidiano that the meetings were not pre-arranged. “Just casual encounters in public places,” Bauccio stated.He detailed that salvini’s encounter occurred in 2021 near the Giolitti restaurant in Rome, where Hijazi inquired about the recognition of a Palestinian state, prompting Salvini to respond, “I am for two peoples, two States.” The meeting with Gasparri reportedly took place near the Senate, with a similar exchange regarding Palestinian statehood, to which gasparri replied, “we are making an effort.”
Though, critics argue that these accounts downplay the significance of the interactions. They point to previously reported photographs showing nicola Fratoianni of Avs, Stefania Ascari and Alessandro Di Battista of the 5 Star Movement, and MEP Gaetano Pedullà also engaging with individuals linked to the investigation. These earlier encounters, they claim, occurred within the confines of Italian institutions-during parliamentary events, missions associated with the Abspp association (currently under scrutiny for allegedly diverting millions of euros to Hamas), and at demonstrations where Pedullà was photographed with Hannoun wearing a keffiyeh.
what is the difference between these encounters? The Lega and Forza Italia parties, according to reports, immediately distanced themselves from these individuals, raising concerns in parliamentary questions and publicly supporting journalistic investigations. This response, critics contend, contrasts with the silence from opposition parties regarding their own connections.
Key Highlight: The core of the dispute lies in the perceived disparity between accidental encounters and more sustained relationships, raising questions about political judgment and consistency.
The narrative, as presented, highlights a clear distinction: two photographs taken spontaneously in public versus a series of documented interactions that remain, after months, largely unexplained. The question remains whether this silence is merely coincidental.
