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Israel Foils Attempt to Smuggle Rocket Materials into Gaza

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JERUSALEM, Israel – Israeli custom inspectors intercepted four tons of ammonium chloride hidden inside a shipment of salt for the Gaza Strip.

Ammonium chloride is used in the manufacturing of long-range rockets, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced on Tuesday.

Inspectors at the Nitzana Crossing became suspicious at the large quantity of salt that had been ordered and upon inspection discovered the contraband.

The Shin Bet identified the importer as a Gaza resident with ties to the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the so-called military wing of Hamas.

"This case underscores the activity of Gaza-based terrorist organizations in smuggling dual-use materials disguised as goods destined for the civilian population and reconstruction projects," the Shin Bet said in the press release.

Meanwhile, Israel recently announced the reopening of the Erez crossing, used to transport commercial goods to Gaza.

"It should be noted that cooperation between customs authorities, especially personnel at the land crossings, and the ISA has led to the foiling of dozens of attempts to smuggle items and materials that are prohibited from importation into the Gaza Strip – such as sulfuric acid, diving suits, rocket propulsion fuel components, polyurethane, sulfur, fiberglass rolls and specially coarse coal for use in iron smelters and metalwork – and which are suspected of being for use by local terrorist organizations," the press statement concluded.

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