Israeli authorities this week exposed and seized two shipments of terror-related items bound for the Gaza Strip, presumably to be used by one of the terror organizations that operate there.

The Shin Bet (Israel’s Security Agency) and the Crossings Authority, together with COGAT, Israeli Police and the Tax Authority, continue to fight persistent attempts to smuggle contraband into the Gaza Strip.

The Crossings Authority thwarted 1,226 attempts to smuggle contraband into Gaza in 2016, a 165% increase just from 2015.

Firstly this week, they thwarted the smuggling of IDF uniforms IDF uniforms, both dress uniforms and fatigues, as well as jackets, hats, bags and belts. Officials suspect the uniforms were meant to be used as part of an attack against Israel by Gazan terror groups.

In the second incident this week, inspectors seized a quantity of mercury that was part of a consignment of medical equipment due to be sent to the Gaza Strip. Mercury is a dual-use material that can be used for terrorist activity, and Israel tracks and issues permits for such substances when required.

Mercury is a dual-use material that can be used for terrorist activity, and Israel tracks and issues permits for such substances when required.

Examples of items seized during thwarted smuggling attempts include drones and small UAVs, security cameras, dismantled vehicle parts, 4X4 engines and tires, lasers,  professional-grade diving equipment to be used by Hamas’ commandos, dual-use fiberglass employed in terror-tunnel building, liquid polyester and adhesive material used for rocket building, spiral welding, aluminium and iron pipes, water pumps used for terror tunnels, metal pellets, steel rods and more materials used in the various stages of rocket and mortar production.

Source: World Israel News