Two truck drivers were arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle illicit goods disguised as humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, police said on Monday.
In an operation conducted by the police and the Tax Authority’s Customs Directorate, the trucks were intercepted near the Kissufim crossing, where officers stopped vehicles transporting large quantities of tobacco products and cigarettes worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.
The drivers, residents of the Arab towns of Daburiya and Zarzir, were taken into custody. Both the trucks and their cargo were then transferred to customs officers for further inspection.
According to officials, the goods inside the trucks were concealed under the guise of humanitarian supplies intended for Gaza residents.
The Customs Directorate is examining the contents of the trucks as part of its investigation.
After the two suspects were detained for initial questioning, they were released under restrictive conditions.
Preventing illegal transfer of goods into Gaza
The arrest marks a significant operation in the efforts by law enforcement agencies to prevent the transfer of illegal merchandise into the enclave.