Israeli Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt of Rocket-Making Material to Gaza

Customs officials at Ashdod Port have successfully uncovered an attempt to smuggle 16 tons of material used in rocket production destined for the Gaza Strip. The incident was released for publication on Thursday.

The spokesperson for the Tax Authority disclosed that in July, the Ashdod Customs and the National Cargo Diagnostic Center decided to detain and inspect two containers, together weighing 54 tons, which were purported to be carrying gypsum sacks imported from Turkey, intended for use in Gaza. However, during the inspection process, Ashdod customs inspectors became suspicious of the containers’ content. As a result, a sample of the materials found within the containers was sent to a laboratory for testing. The lab confirmed their suspicions – the shipment contained 16 tons of ammonium chloride, cleverly concealed among the gypsum sacks. Ammonium chloride is a substance commonly employed by terrorist organizations in Gaza for manufacturing rockets.

The statement from the Customs Administration at the Tax Authority emphasized their unwavering commitment to prevent the smuggling of dual-use materials and weaponry into the Gaza Strip.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, five Palestinians lost their lives while attempting to detonate an explosive device near the Gaza border fence. These individuals were participating in protests against the IDF in the northern Gaza Strip. They had planned to throw the device, but it accidentally detonated, resulting in their injuries and subsequent fatalities. Approximately 100 Gazans participated in the demonstration, while IDF forces actively monitored the border to prevent any infiltrations. According to Palestinian sources, IDF forces also fired at the demonstrators, leading to injuries for 19 individuals.

Back in July, Israeli security forces successfully thwarted another smuggling attempt near Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov in the Jordan Valley. This attempt involved the transportation of explosive devices intended for terrorist organizations in Yehudah and Shomron. Investigations by the Shin Bet and the security establishment revealed that the cargo, originating in Iran, had apparently arrived in Jordan via Hezbollah. Over the years, the Jordan Valley border region has become a favored route for both criminal and terrorist organizations attempting to smuggle arms and funds into Israel and Yehudah and Shomron.