Gold-plated iPhone 17s being sold in Gaza at exorbitant cost
Merchants show off new stock in videos posted online, with price tags surpassing NIS 30,000; those able to afford devices said to be Hamas members
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New iPhone 17 devices — including gold-plated models — are being sold in the Gaza Strip “at exorbitant prices,” after retailers managed to import the latest Apple smartphone through recently opened border crossings, according to Hebrew media reports.
Israel Hayom and Kan reported that some Gazan merchants had received shipments of the phones during the war, before the model was even released in Israel.
Prices in the Strip reportedly exceed NIS 30,000 ($9,175). By comparison, the iPhone 17 sells for NIS 3,000 to 5,200 ($900-1,600) in Israel.
Videos circulating online show Gazan businesses promoting their new stock of iPhones to local consumers. In one video posted on Tuesday by an account named Yosif Phone, a merchant showed his new stock of gold-plated iPhone 17s that are encrusted with diamonds and come with a gold Apple Watch.
The iPhone 17 series is available in a variety of colors, but gold-plated ones are not available at standard vendors.
The images stand in sharp contrast to conditions in much of the Strip, where many Palestinians continue to live in tents, more than two years into the war. But the reports note that a wealthier segment of Gazan society remains able to purchase high-end luxury goods.
Available in the Gaza Strip today 25 Nov 2025 – gold plated iPhone 17 Pro Max, with diamond beads. Comes with a gold smart watch!
Sold by Yosif Phone, Khan Younes Mawasi, South Gaza Strip.
Timestamp: 9 hours ago#TheGazaYouDontSee
Link to Instagram links in 1st comment pic.twitter.com/nNGKMy4UBs— Imshin (@imshin) November 25, 2025
According to unnamed sources who spoke to Ynet, these more well-to-do Gazans are mostly Hamas members.
The Times of Israel Community.