JERUSALEM // An Israeli-Palestinian smuggling ring has been uncovered that funnelled iron, electronic equipment and other prohibited materials to Gaza, bypassing Israel’s stringent border security to help Hamas rebuild its infrastructure following last year’s summer offensive, the Jewish state said on Monday.
Israel charged nine people in the ring with assisting an enemy in wartime, terror financing and fraud, among others. The accused include three Israeli Jews who own companies that sell the materials, along with six Palestinians from Gaza.
Hamas suffered heavy losses during the 50-day war on Gaza, in which Israel carried out some 5,000 air strikes on targets throughout the territory.
The group – which has controlled Gaza since 2007 – is suffering from international isolation and a lack of funds, and has been struggling to rebuild itself since the fighting ended.
Israel’s internal security agency said the materials were smuggled on lorries through Kerem Shalom, the main cargo crossing between Israel and Gaza. The materials were listed as destined for straw companies and were hidden among other goods which are permitted to enter Gaza. It said the goods were delivered through Palestinian middle men.
“In this way, large amounts of materials bought in Israel and smuggled to the Gaza Strip systematically and over time made their way to Hamas’ military infrastructure,” the Shin Bet said in a statement.
The agency said at least US$375,000 (Dh1.4m) was paid to the Israeli players.
Zion Amir, a lawyer for one of the Israelis, whose name wasn’t made public, said his client denied the charges. There was no immediate reaction from the other defendants or Hamas.
Israel considers Hamas a terrorist group, and cases of Israeli Jews collaborating with the group are extremely rare.
* Associated Press
