Two weeks after the weapons smuggling seized at the Kerem Shalom crossing, an interrogation by the Shin Bet reveals that Hamas in the Gaza Strip is behind the smuggling attempt.
Riots in the Arab Sector: Police Activity in Kerem Shalom // Police Spokesperson's Office
As stated, during an inspection of goods at the Kerem Shalom crossing on September 4, 2023, security inspectors of the Crossings Authority of the Ministry of Defense found that a pallet of clothing contained C4 standard explosives, as well as 10 detonators.
Following the discovery of the explosives, an in-depth investigation was carried out by the Shin Bet, in cooperation with other security forces, about the parties involved in the shipment.
An investigation of the incident revealed that the pallet was sent by a shipping company from the Gaza Strip called Al-Qadsiya, which routinely transports goods from the Gaza Strip to the Kerem Shalom crossing. In addition, the involvement of a resident of the Gaza Strip named Mei Mansour, who was connected to the shipment of goods to the crossing, was identified.
It was also identified that the smuggling of explosives involved Arafat Natsheh, originally from Hebron, and Muhammad Abu 'Awad, originally from Nablus, who were deported to the Gaza Strip as part of the prisoners' release deal.
According to the assessment, these contacts indicate that the two (Natsheh and Abu Awad) are involved in transporting the unusual cargo, indicating the "fingerprints" of the deportees and Hamas' "West Bank headquarters." The weapons seized are standard explosives whose arrival may enable those holding them to carry out terrorist attacks.
Security source: "The cynical exploitation of Hamas elements in the route of transporting goods from the Gaza Strip directly harms the regular fabric of life of the residents of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These same citizens are the ones who pay the heavy and immediate price of closing the crossing, the economic damage involved, and the tightening of approvals for future goods."
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