Camouflage fatigues concealed in humanitarian aid to Gaza

Administration workers at Kerem Shalom crossing surprised to find uniforms, apparently intended for Hamas, hidden amongst goods being brought into Strip for Palestinian population

Hanan Greenberg
Published: 10.28.08, 16:25 / Israel News

The defense establishment thwarted an attempt to smuggle military textile goods to the Hamas organization in the Gaza Strip on Monday.

Defense Ministry administration workers were surprised to discover the equipment under a surface during a routine check of a truck carrying humanitarian aid to the Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The goods included coats, sweaters, hats, and camouflage fatigues.

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Defense establishment officials said the equipment seized was not permitted to enter Gaza.

"There is no reason why we should allow Hamas to bring in such equipment at the expense of humanitarian aid intended for the Palestinian population. We are now trying to investigate who sent this equipment.

"Hamas doesn't care about hurting the Palestinian population in order to promote its own interests. They choose to use the permits provided by Israel for the entry of humanitarian equipment for the organization's own needs," a security source said.

Some 90 trucks – mostly carrying food, medications and textile goods – cross into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing every day. Attempts have been made in the past to smuggle hazardous equipment to Palestinian terror organizations.

Israel refused recently to increase the amount of equipment entering the Strip as long as no progress is made in the negotiations for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

The Kerem Shalom crossing was renovated recently following a terror attack which took place there about half a year ago. It is currently the main terminal for the transfer of goods into the Strip, in addition to the Karni crossing in northern Gaza and the Nahal Oz fuel terminal.

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