Ra’ed Dawoud

Ra’ed Hussny Mousa Dawoud, also known by the alias “Abu Falestine,” has been a member of the foreign branch of the terrorist organization Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (commonly known as Hamas) since a date prior to January 2010, although the exact timing cannot be precisely determined. He is part of the operational network headed by Mohammad Hannoun and is considered one of his trusted associates, sharing responsibilities and activities with him.

Integrated into the organizational structure linked to the Associazione Benefica di Solidarietà con il Popolo Palestinese (ABSPP), Dawoud serves as co-manager of the Milan branch alongside Elasaly Yaser and has been an employee of ABSPP ODV since August 1, 2016. Within the Milan-based cell, he represents a central figure, working consistently with Elasaly Yaser, with ongoing support from Abu Deiah Khalil and occasional assistance from Jaradat Sami. In this context, he participates in decision-making processes together with Hannoun and other individuals under investigation for the offense under Article 270-bis of the Italian Criminal Code, contributing to the planning of initiatives, including those carried out through other associations linked to the network, such as “La Cupola d’Oro” and “La Palma.”

Dawoud is involved in fundraising activities formally intended for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population but allegedly redirected in significant part to finance Hamas. Over the years, he has managed substantial financial flows, although these are lower than the total amount of €7,288,248.15 attributed to the network as a whole.

His level of integration within the terrorist organization is further evidenced by direct contacts with senior figures, including Ismail Haniyeh, whom he met during a trip to Gaza. On that occasion, Haniyeh reportedly expressed appreciation for the activities carried out in Italy. Dawoud also stated that he had expressed to Haniyeh his willingness to return to Gaza to fight, receiving instead the instruction to remain in Italy due to his effectiveness in fundraising.

Additional elements supporting his operational involvement were found on the association’s servers, which contain videos showing him inside tunnels attributable to Hamas infrastructure. Following the events of October 7, 2023, Dawoud posted a message stating: “May God grant them paradise; they have made us happy. The Merciful has protected them with His protection,” expressing support for the perpetrators of the attack.

The international scope of his activities is confirmed by his travels and foreign contacts. In 2024, he travelled to Turkey and maintained relations with key figures in the network, including Amin Abou Rashed. In October 2024, during a trip to Turkey, he declared that he was carrying €170,000 on behalf of ABSPP, an operation linked to the management of the network’s financial flows.

Although he had been placed under precautionary measures following Operation “Dominio,” in April 2026 the Supreme Court annulled the relevant order, referring the case back to the review tribunal for a new assessment.