Attempt to Smuggle Tobacco Into Gaza Hidden in Medical Aid Foiled
COGAT thwarted a tobacco smuggling attempt into Gaza hidden within a shipment of wheelchairs, vowing to investigate and strengthen security.
Jerusalem, 2 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) — COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories: Judea and Samaria and towards the Gaza Strip) reported an attempt to smuggle tobacco into Gaza within a a medical aid shipment was foiled.
Hundreds of tobacco pouches were found hidden inside an international donation of wheelchairs bound for Gaza.
COGAT’s head Yoram Halevy ordered an immediate investigation, and security enforcement will be strengthened.
“Exploiting medical aid for smuggling undermines vital humanitarian efforts,” said COGAT. “Abuse of humanitarian aid will not be tolerated. Therefore, full accountability lies with the sending organizations.”
