Defense minister warns aid organizations against smuggling goods to Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz issues a warning to organizations and individuals involved in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip against smuggling prohibited goods.

“An attempt to smuggle goods or transfer merchandise/equipment that was not pre-approved into the Gaza Strip constitutes grounds for the seizure and confiscation of the property used in the smuggling attempt, grounds for the seizure and confiscation of the truck that transported the goods, as well as grounds for imposing sanctions on the drivers,” reads a message from the Defense Ministry’s National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (NBCTF).

The ministry says organizations or individuals found to be involved in smuggling attempts to Gaza may face financial sanctions.

“The State of Israel will continue to act with determination to prevent the financing of terror and to maintain strict oversight over the transfer of goods while ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid in accordance with security directives and international law,” the ministry adds.