Massive Smuggling Operation Supplies Gaza With Steel Pellets for Explosives, Profiting Hamas

A major smuggling network funneling goods into the Gaza Strip has been exposed, involving Palestinians from the West Bank, Gaza traders, Egyptian civilians, and Israeli soldiers from an undisclosed battalion. The investigation, revealed by Avishai Greenzaig on i24NEWS, describes the operation as one of the most severe smuggling cases into Gaza, with enormous volumes and substantial profits benefiting both the accused and Hamas directly.

Central to the case is Jamal Al-Sheikh, a resident of Ramla and member of a prominent Palestinian family; his uncle, Hussein Al-Sheikh, is the Palestinian Authority's deputy chairman and designated successor to Mahmoud Abbas. Jamal was found in possession of an illegal Glock pistol reportedly provided by his uncle. The smuggling began with chocolate products but quickly escalated to banned items such as solar panels, phones, and vehicle parts.

At the peak of the operation, Jamal was asked to procure steel pellets for a Gaza trader named Mohammed. These pellets are used by terrorist groups in explosive devices to maximize damage. Jamal purchased 20,000 pellets for 27,000 shekels, which were then sold inside Gaza for 2 million shekels, a markup of over 5,300 percent. Hamas directly profited by collecting a 20 percent tax on the value of the smuggled goods. In one instance, goods were stolen because the traders failed to pay Hamas the required tax.

The smuggling was facilitated with the help of Israeli soldiers from a specific battalion, who assisted in bringing the goods across the border. Before their arrest in February 2026, the conspirators planned a single shipment worth 200 million shekels, including over 500 cigarette pallets, 500 newly released iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, and 30 solar panels. The Gaza trader reassured Jamal by stating his son was a soldier in the battalion stationed at the border crossing to aid the smuggling.

The operation was ultimately halted after the Shin Bet began intercepting the smuggling routes, leading to Jamal Al-Sheikh's capture.