Takeaways from AP’s report on the smuggling of restricted goods into Gaza

An Associated Press investigation found that smuggling of restricted items into Gaza has surged, with cigarettes, iPhones, fuel, and solar panels being transported to desperate residents in the war-torn coastal territory. Israeli court documents and interviews with traders, merchants, truckers, officials, and residents provided the basis for this report.

Gaza's Hamas-led government reportedly takes a portion of the profits from these illicit transactions, either as a "tax" when merchants report the goods or as a larger cut if authorities discover the items without reporting. This money reportedly funds social services and pays salaries for Gaza's civil service and police. However, the government denies directly overseeing the trade or engaging in commercial smuggling.

Israeli indictments reveal the scale of the smuggling, implicating soldiers and other middlemen who allegedly pocket millions in the illicit trade. Smuggling has become a major source of income for many, with some top merchants estimating that it comprises over half of their total operations and can bring in more than 70% of their profits.

Essential goods like battery chargers have seen prices skyrocket, with a vehicle battery now costing over $2,300, up from $140 prewar. Residents often have to resort to smuggling for basic necessities, as a vehicle battery or baby formula and pet food were also smuggled.