Security inspectors for the Defense Ministry’s Crossing Points Authority in coordination with the Israel Security Agency thwarted a large-scale attempt by the Hamas terrorist organization to smuggle materials to improve its military capabilities.

The smuggling operation, which was foiled at the Tarqumiyah crossing located northwest of Hebron, was disguised as just a shipment of textiles and jewelry. However, hundreds of metal tubes for making mortars and rockets were discovered along with dozens of electric motors to be used in the construction of an underground arsenal.

The materials were to be smuggled into Hamas-controlled Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, located to the south of the Gaza Strip. An investigation is now underway to identify and locate all those involved in the smuggling operation.