Thousands of cigarettes hidden in pineapples seized at Gaza crossing

Security forces have thwarted an elaborate smuggling attempt at the Kerem Shalom crossing, intercepting thousands of cigarettes that had been concealed inside hundreds of pineapples destined for Gaza. The discovery was made on Wednesday by the security screening unit of the Inland Crossing Authority, operating under the Defence Ministry. Officials seized the contraband and immediately reported their findings to the Coordination and Liaison Administration (COGAT), which oversees civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories.

The sophisticated nature of the smuggling operation—using fresh produce as cover for the illicit goods—highlights ongoing efforts by smugglers to circumvent restrictions on goods entering the enclave. Cigarettes are a particularly sought-after commodity in Gaza due to high taxes and limited legal supply.

In response to the incident, the Defence Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories has immediately suspended the company’s approval to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza, pending further review. The suspension represents a significant penalty, as companies involved in legitimate aid delivery operations face strict licensing requirements and regular scrutiny. The measure underscores Israeli authorities’ zero-tolerance approach to smuggling attempts, regardless of the goods involved or their volume.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.