Breaking Update
Banned Engine Oil Smuggled Into Gaza in UN Crates
Hundreds of bottles of banned engine oil were found in UN aid crates being smuggled into Gaza, leading to a halt in UNDP shipments.
Jerusalem, 26 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — On Wednesday afternoon, at the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza, security teams intercepted hundreds of bottles of engine oil being smuggled into Gaza inside of UNDP (UN Development) aid crates. This was reported by COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories: Judea and Samaria and towards the Gaza Strip).
Engine oil is a restricted dual-use item due to its documented exploitation for terror purposes by Hamas, such as making fuel for rockets.
COGAT is suspending all UNDP shipments until a full investigation of the matter is completed.
“When we say security screening is necessary, this is why,” said COGAT. “We provide the corridors; we will not provide the cover for smuggling.”
