CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – UNICEF announced on Wednesday that it is launching an investigation into Israel's claims regarding the smuggling of tobacco products into Gaza through one of its aid shipments. This allegation comes amidst an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, marking the beginning of a prolonged war.
The Israeli military body responsible for facilitating aid to Gaza, known as COGAT, stated on Monday that it discovered bottles containing tobacco substances concealed within cartons of hygiene kits that belonged to UNICEF. They released photographs showing several of these bottles, with one distinctly labeled "Nicotine." In light of these findings, COGAT has suspended the delivery of UNICEF aid to the region.
Israel has implemented strict regulations barring the entry of cigarettes and other nicotine products into Gaza since the onset of the current conflict, which has created a lucrative black market for such items. In response to inquiries from the Associated Press, UNICEF emphasized that the hygiene kits had been transported into Gaza via a commercial carrier and confirmed that a thorough investigation into the matter had been initiated. The agency expressed its seriousness regarding the allegations.
UNICEF also highlighted that any disruption to its operations could further worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is already under severe strain. Although a shaky ceasefire initiated in October 2023 has increased the amount of humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza, aid organizations continue to stress that there is a pressing need for more supplies, ranging from basic medical provisions to fuel. Reports indicate that some Palestinians are hoarding food, resulting in sharply rising prices for essential items such as bags of flour.
The claims surrounding UNICEF's involvement come at a time when accusations have emerged regarding Israeli soldiers participating in the smuggling of tobacco into Gaza. The brother of Bezalel Zini, the chief of Israel's internal security service, has been charged with smuggling a significant amount of cigarettes, valued at tens of thousands of dollars, into the territory. This indictment is part of a larger scandal involving numerous individuals, including several Israeli reserve soldiers, who are accused of profiting from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war by facilitating the delivery of illicit goods into Gaza that stand to benefit the militant group Hamas financially.
Furthermore, during the summer of 2025, parts of Gaza faced a declared famine as Israel's military was imposing restrictions on the quantity of food and supplies allowed into the area. Reports from that period indicated that the price for a single cigarette had soared to over $80, illustrating the extremities of the situation for residents amid the conflict.
For more detailed updates and information regarding the ongoing conflict, visit the dedicated coverage portal.
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Samy Magdy, The Associated Press
