DayofPal– Despite a devastating war and one of the tightest sieges in modern history, banned Israeli goods continue to make their way into the Gaza Strip, raising serious questions about how they are getting in—and who profits along the way.
From mobile phones, solar panels, and batteries to frozen meats, soft drinks, and even chocolates and potato chips, items deemed “non-essential” or “prohibited” by Israeli authorities are appearing in Gazan markets.
The presence of such items, especially amid ongoing humanitarian restrictions, has ignited speculation and concern within both Gaza and Israel.
Coordinated Smuggling Through Bribes
Senior officers in Israeli army and Shin Bet are reportedly involved in allowing the entry of goods, currently banned, into the Gaza Strip in exchange for large bribes paid from the coordination fees.
According to several Gaza-based traders who spoke anonymously to Asharq Al-Awsat, the process of smuggling involves high-level coordination between traders in Gaza and Israeli customs clearance companies, using intermediaries in Turkey and other countries.
The cost of bringing in a single truck can range between 450,000 to 600,000 shekels (roughly $135,000–$180,000), which forces local traders to sell goods at inflated prices.
One trader described how weapons-carrying groups or influential families are paid to protect these shipments, most of which are stored in central Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah region.
During a brief ceasefire in January, for example, the price of a single chocolate bar reached 100 shekels ($30), and a kilogram of frozen meat soared to 500 shekels ($150).
Hamas Investigates Traders
Security sources within Hamas confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that investigations were launched into several traders after discovering that some had unknowingly transported Israeli intelligence spy equipment concealed in their goods.
In at least one case, surveillance devices were delivered to collaborators working with Israeli intelligence.
Some traders were released after interrogation, while others were shot in the legs and warned against further involvement.
Hamas also said that senior Israeli military and intelligence officials, including members of the Shin Bet (Shabak), have received bribes to facilitate the entry of prohibited goods.
Israeli Businessmen Accused of Running Smuggling Ring
Hebrew-language Channel 12 reported that two prominent Israeli businessmen, one a former Likud Knesset member and the other a deputy mayor of Kiryat Gat, Yigal Weinberger, were involved in smuggling operations.
Under the cover of an international humanitarian organization, they sent about 80 aid trucks into Gaza, replacing food items with contraband such as cigarettes and shisha tobacco.
The pair persuaded another businessman to invest 5 million shekels in the fake aid scheme with promises of high returns.
When one truck was stopped by Israeli forces, it was discovered that the aid label had been misused without the knowledge of the actual humanitarian organization, which has since severed ties with the accused.
The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has temporarily suspended the license of the implicated organization, pending further investigation.
Institutional Corruption
Hamas has also launched a deeper probe into potential collusion by international NGOs operating in Gaza. Some suspect that corruption at multiple levels, Israel is allowing banned goods to slip through, disguised as humanitarian aid.
One trader admitted he used the coordination channel only once but stopped after receiving stern warnings from Hamas and facing enormous logistical costs.
The limited volume of these shipments means most Gazans never see the contraband, which is sold at exorbitant prices in small, elite circles.
Gaza’s industrial and agricultural chambers recently issued a warning about rising offers from suspicious sources offering “commercial coordination” services.
These shadowy deals not only distort market prices but also burden an already devastated local economy.
“These types of arrangements significantly raise the cost of goods in local markets,” the statement read, “at a time when citizens face extreme poverty, food insecurity, and economic collapse.”
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