Israel Halts Exports from Gaza After Finding Explosives

Israeli authorities announced today, Monday, that they have temporarily suspended the export of commercial goods from the Gaza Strip through a key border crossing after security personnel foiled an attempt to smuggle explosives. The Ministry of Defense stated that inspectors at the Kerem Shalom border crossing found several kilograms of "high-quality explosives" in a shipment, which were hidden in clothing linings, with suspicions that the intended recipients were "terrorist elements." The ministry mentioned that exports from Gaza, governed by the Islamist group Hamas, will be adjusted according to the situation assessment. Palestinian border officials stated that Israel informed them that the crossing would remain closed "until further notice." Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza and Egypt has taken strict measures at its border with the enclave due to security concerns since Hamas took control of the area in 2007. The blockade has led to economic losses, and most Palestinians in Gaza rely on external aid.