Italian Police Arrest Three Palestinians on Charges of 'Criminal Conspiracy'

Italian police arrested three Palestinians based in central Italy who were reportedly planning attacks in an unspecified country. According to Reuters, the three men resided in L'Aquila, about 120 kilometers northeast of Rome, and had established a cell linked to the group known as 'Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.' This armed group is associated with Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, which is recognized as terrorist by Israel, the European Union, and the United States. Police stated that the three Palestinians are accused of criminal conspiracy with terrorist aims or subverting democratic order, charges that could carry a penalty of 15 years in prison. Police noted, 'The suspects were involved in promoting religious conversion and propaganda (...) and planned attacks, including suicide bombings, against civilian and military targets in foreign territories.' The Italian police statement mentioned that one of the three is wanted by Israel, and a court in Italy is reviewing his extradition request. These arrests come amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi welcomed the arrest of 'three dangerous terrorists' and stated that Italy is always on high alert against extremism and radicalization. UNRWA claims that Israel forced agency employees to confess to connections with Hamas. Canada has lifted its suspension of funding for UNRWA and will resume financial aid to the agency. The Italian Navy shot down a Houthi drone in the Red Sea, continuing the Houthi attacks and CENTCOM's response in the Red Sea; at least ten Houthi drones were destroyed.