Israeli Authorities Foil Cigarette Smuggling Attempt Hidden in Pineapples to Gaza

On Wednesday, Israeli security forces intercepted an unusual smuggling attempt at the Kerem Shalom crossing to the Gaza Strip involving thousands of cigarettes concealed inside hundreds of pineapples. The shipment was detected by the security inspection team of the Crossings Authority under the Ministry of Defense, who handed over the findings to representatives of the Coordination and Liaison Administration in Judea.

The truck carried a delivery purchased by an Israeli company authorized under the private sector humanitarian aid mechanism to transfer goods to Gaza. The entire shipment was confiscated and transferred to customs and other relevant authorities for further handling.

In response, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Major General Yoav (Yoram) Levy, immediately suspended the company's permit to bring aid into Gaza until further notice. A statement emphasized that the Coordinator's office, together with the Crossings Authority, customs, and all relevant security bodies, will continue to act decisively and with zero tolerance against any smuggling attempts or abuse of humanitarian aid channels.