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Israel thwarts attempt to smuggle ‘high-quality’ explosives from Gaza

Following the incident, the IDF has ordered a halt to exports from the Gaza Strip until security measures can be tightened.

Explosives confiscated by Israeli authorities at the Kerem Shalom Crossing at the Gaza border, Sept. 4, 2023. Credit: Israel Defense Ministry.
Explosives confiscated by Israeli authorities at the Kerem Shalom Crossing at the Gaza border, Sept. 4, 2023. Credit: Israel Defense Ministry.

The Israel Defense Forces on Monday foiled an attempt to smuggle “high-quality” explosives from the Gaza Strip into Israel in a shipment of clothing.

The smuggling attempt was made at the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is located at the southeastern corner of the Gaza strip near the Egyptian border.

Trucks loaded with goods enter Gaza from the Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 17, 2019. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.
Trucks loaded with goods enter Gaza from the Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 17, 2019. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.

The IDF said that during a security check of goods coming out of the Gaza Strip, several pounds of “high-quality” explosive material was discovered sewn into the linings of international fashion-brand clothing.

The explosives are believed to have been intended for terrorists inside Israel.

Following the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, with the approval of Israeli Defense Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, directed the halting of the passage of goods from the Gaza Strip to Israel until tighter security measures can be implemented.

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