Major Gaza Strip Smuggling Ring Broken Up
(Communicated by the Israel Security Agency)

The Israel Security Agency (ISA), Israel Police, Israel Tax Authority and
the State Attorney's Office, assisted by the Defense Ministry, the IDF and
the Justice Ministry, have recently uncovered an efficient network operated
by Hamas to acquire and smuggle materials used for strengthening the
organization's military infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

By means of this network, the Hamas purchased and brought into the Gaza
Strip, via the Kerem Shalom Crossing, thousands of tons of raw materials
that were used in its military installations, to prepare attack tunnels, at
its training facilities and for the manufacture of war materiel. In certain
instances, the materials that were purchased in Israel were transported from
the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom Crossing directly to Hamas training
bases and installations.

The ISA, in conjunction with the Israel Police and Israel Tax Authority, has
so far investigated 26 suspects, including Israeli citizens, who were
involved in supplying the materials, storing them and smuggling them through
the Kerem Shalom Crossing. The Israel Police and Israel Tax Authority have
also investigated additional suspects. Trucks and large quantities of
to-be-smuggled materiel were seized.

Severe indictments – including for security offenses – have been filed in
Be'er Sheva District Court. Requests have been filed regarding the
confiscation of the seized vehicles and materials.

Operation of the network

The Kerem Shalom Crossing provides the only passage for merchandise and
goods between Israel and the Gaza Strip. The State of Israel saw to the
regular operation of the Crossing, even during Operation Protective Edge, in
order to allow the importation of consumer goods and basic products for the
population of Gaza. Terrorists in Gaza, especially Hamas, identified the
potential at the Crossing for bringing in materials need to build up their
military infrastructures.

Registered Palestinian merchants were used to purchase a range of raw
materials and other goods (including – inter alia – iron and various iron
goods and products, electrical and electronic equipment, communications
equipment, fiber optic cables, drills and other digging equipment, concrete,
etc.) for military use. Israeli, foreign and Palestinian Authority-based
suppliers supplied the goods. Elements in Israel were, for the most part,
used to store the goods. These elements were aware that the goods in
question were for the Gaza Strip despite the lack of the necessary permits
and either knew or estimated that they were designated for terrorist
organizations.

In this manner, large quantities of materials were systematically purchased
in Israel and smuggled into the Gaza Strip over a period of time. As routes
through Sinai became more difficult, the foregoing route became more
valuable to Hamas.

Among the Gaza terrorists involved were:

Muhammad Oda – A Hamas operative involved in the production of war materiel.
He purchased hundreds of tons of iron and galvanized pipes, which were
transported directly to Hamas training facilities.

Adnan Seir – A Hamas operative involved in the production of war materiel.

Muhammad Abu Halima – He purchased tones of pipes and iron which were
transported directly to Hamas installations built on the ruins of former
Jewish communities.

The Al-Tzalah Association – Affiliated with Hamas.

Smuggled goods were frequently hidden among consignments that had received
the necessary permits. In one instance, raw materials for use in the
manufacture of explosives were hidden in a container of humanitarian
equipment.

The case underscores – yet again – how Hamas cynically exploits Israel's
humanitarian approach and how Hamas does not hesitate to endanger the basic
interests of the Palestinian public in its efforts to rebuild its Gaza-based
military capabilities.

Hamas has invested vast sums in building up its military infrastructure even
as its leaders and spokesmen seize every opportunity to bewail the
Palestinian public's dire economic plight.

Israeli security and law-enforcement authorities will tighten the
supervision of goods designated for the Gaza Strip and will use all legal
means (criminal prosecution, economic sanctions, the confiscation of goods,
revocation of permits, etc.) at their disposal to combat smuggling.