MOD Crossing Authority: 2016: 175,000 trucks - 1,226 Attempts to

Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority Summarizes 2016: Security Officials
at the Kerem Shalom Crossing Thwarted 1,226 Attempts to Smuggle Contraband
into Gaza in 2016, a 165% increase from 2015
Key Items: Drones, communications equipment, military equipment and
uniforms, dismantled 4X4 vehicles, professional-grade diving equipment, and
rappelling equipment
January 15, 2017
Ministry of Defense, Media & Public Affairs Bureau

The Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority, the body responsible for
operating the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossing points along the Israel-Gaza
border as well as across Judea and Samaria, recently concluded another
record year since its inception in 2005. Throughout 2016, about 13 million
Palestinian pedestrians crossed into Israel through Ministry of Defense
Crossing Authority points (1.6 million more than in 2015). In October 2016,
a record of over 55,000 daily pedestrian crossings for those employed in
Israel, for commerce, as well as for medical and humanitarian treatment.

In 2016, the movement of Israeli goods into Gaza through Kerem Shalom
increased by 13% to 175,000 trucks and peaked at an average of 890 trucks
daily throughout the month of October. The Shin Bet and Ministry of Defense
Crossing Authority, together with COGAT, Israeli Police and Tax Authority,
continue to fight the persistent attempts to smuggle contraband through
Kerem Shalom into the Gaza Strip.

Smuggling attempts have increased each year since Operation Protective Edge.
In 2016, 1,226 smuggling attempts were foiled, representing a 165% increase
from 2015. This increase is a due to increased truck traffic, an expanded
list of controlled items and an increased deterrence among truck drivers
resulting in decreased cooperation with the smugglers. Dozens of
investigations led by the Shin Bet have been conducted and have resulted in
significant damage of the smuggling infrastructure in the south.

Examples of Thwarted Smuggling Attempts: Drones, small UAVs, security
cameras, dismantled vehicle parts, 4X4 engines and tires, lasers, rappelling
equipment, professional-grade diving equipment, communications equipment,
winches, car batteries, military clothing, dual-use fiberglass, liquid
polyester and adhesive material, spiral welding, aluminum and iron pipes,
water pumps, metal pellets, steel rods and more.

Head of the Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority, Brig. Gen. (res) Kamil
Abu-Rokon: “The defense establishment’s bitter war against smugglers has
noticeably slowed the strengthening of terrorist groups in Gaza. In recent
months, we have installed a new shipment screening system at Kerem Shalom,
the most advanced in the world, and have added technologies and new testing
methods that add to our abilities in the daily struggle against the
smugglers.”