---
title: "Smuggling of Israeli-restricted goods into Gaza booms since October 2023"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/smuggling-of-israeli-restricted-goods-into-gaza-booms-since-october-2023"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/smuggling-of-israeli-restricted-goods-into-gaza-booms-since-october-2023"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/smuggling-of-israeli-restricted-goods-into-gaza-booms-since-october-2023.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/smuggling-of-israeli-restricted-goods-into-gaza-booms-since-october-2023"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-08-20T14:46:28.434Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-20T09:50:18.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-20T14:46:28.434Z"
trust_score: 82
critic_score: 85
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-20T14:30:12.241510+00:00"
---

# Smuggling of Israeli-restricted goods into Gaza booms since October 2023

*An AP investigation found cigarettes, iPhones, fuel and medicine are smuggled in, with profits shared by soldiers and middlemen*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 82 of 100, higher is better. Two full reports with named sources and documents corroborate the claims.
- Craft 85 of 100, higher is better. Both full reports quote affected parties and separate fact from comment.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Headlines and digests are measured and proportionate.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- An AP investigation found smuggling of goods restricted by Israel into Gaza has increased since October 2023, with cigarettes, iPhones, fuel and medicine among the items smuggled in.
- Israeli soldiers and middlemen are accused of profiting from the trade, which has driven up prices for Palestinians and led hospitals to rely on smugglers for supplies.
- Israel restricts or bans certain goods, including concrete and vehicle parts, citing concerns they could be repurposed for military use by Hamas.
- The Israeli military said it takes smuggling seriously and investigates allegations of military personnel involvement, but did not answer detailed questions about soldiers' roles.

Smuggling of goods restricted by Israel into the Gaza Strip has increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, according to an Associated Press investigation. The AP reported that cigarettes, iPhones, solar panels, fuel and anaesthetics are among the items smuggled into the territory, where Palestinians face inflated prices for groceries and batteries.

The investigation, based on Israeli court documents and interviews with traders, truckers and officials, found that hospitals in Gaza have turned to smugglers for medicine and equipment. Israeli soldiers and middlemen are accused of pocketing millions of dollars from the trade. The Israeli military said it takes smuggling seriously and investigates allegations of military personnel involvement, but did not respond to detailed questions about soldiers' roles.

Israel restricts or bans certain goods from entering Gaza, including concrete, vehicle parts and X-ray machines, citing concerns they could be repurposed for military use by Hamas. The military classifies around 150 categories of items as "dual use," though some, such as generators and X-ray machines, have been allowed in under strict monitoring.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mention the AP’s finding that Gaza’s Hamas-led government takes a cut of the profits from smuggled goods. The centre-rated digests also omit this detail. None of the right-rated digests include the AP’s claim that Israeli soldiers are accused of profiting from the smuggling trade.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 32 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 47% (15)
- Centre: 44% (14)
- Right: 9% (3)

2 of 34 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-20T14:30:12.241510+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-20T15:00:44.277Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports led on the findings of the AP investigation, highlighting the role of Israeli soldiers and middlemen in profiting from the smuggling trade. The Associated Press and The Toronto Star both published the full investigation, which detailed how Palestinians face inflated prices and hospitals rely on smugglers for supplies. The reports quoted traders and officials who described the smuggling as routine and necessary due to Israeli restrictions.
- The left-rated digests carried the AP’s claim that Israeli soldiers and middlemen are accused of pocketing millions of dollars. They also included the AP’s finding that Gaza’s Hamas-led government takes a cut of the profits from smuggled goods, either as a reported "tax" of up to 20% or an 80% penalty if goods are undeclared.

### Centre

- The centre-rated digests led on the boom in smuggling and the range of goods entering Gaza illegally, including cigarettes, iPhones, fuel and solar panels. They reported that Palestinians face inflated prices for groceries and batteries, and that hospitals turn to smugglers for medicine and equipment. Washington Top News published the full AP investigation, which included the military’s statement that it takes smuggling seriously and investigates allegations of military personnel involvement.
- The centre-rated digests did not mention the AP’s finding that Gaza’s Hamas-led government takes a cut of the profits from smuggled goods. They also did not include the AP’s claim that Israeli soldiers are accused of profiting from the trade.

### Right

- The right-rated digests led on the boom in smuggling and the range of goods entering Gaza illegally. They reported that Palestinians face inflated prices for groceries and batteries, and that hospitals turn to smugglers for medicine and equipment. None of the right-rated digests mentioned the AP’s finding that Israeli soldiers are accused of profiting from the trade, or that Gaza’s Hamas-led government takes a cut of the profits.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 2
- high: 20
- unknown: 4
- veryHigh: 8

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Cumberland Times-News](https://times-news.com/news/prices-soar-as-gaza-smuggling-booms-officials-soldiers-and-middlemen-are-accused-of-cashing-in/article_751c7547-3c39-5325-bc32-7c0890f12643.html) — Prices soar as Gaza smuggling booms. Officials, soldiers and middlemen are accused of cashing in
- [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/prices-soar-as-gaza-smuggling-booms-officials-soldiers-and-middlemen-are-accused-of-cashing-in/article_1731aefa-81ce-5c1c-b8b4-a9f275ac91d7.html) — Prices soar as Gaza smuggling booms. Officials, soldiers and middlemen are accused of cashing in
- [Joplin Globe](https://joplinglobe.com/region/national_business/prices-soar-as-gaza-smuggling-booms-officials-soldiers-and-middlemen-are-accused-of-cashing-in/article_8d412e54-365f-5dae-a9db-ad2099a3d556.html) — Prices soar as Gaza smuggling booms. Officials, soldiers and middlemen are accused of cashing in
- [The Daily Sentinel](https://dailysentinel.com/anpa/international/prices-soar-as-gaza-smuggling-booms-officials-soldiers-and-middlemen-are-accused-of-cashing-in/article_4c5d672c-bc09-5073-8546-ebfd61ac1a09.html) — Prices soar as Gaza smuggling booms. Officials, soldiers and middlemen are accused of cashing in
- [Idaho State Journal](https://idahostatejournal.com/news/world/prices-soar-as-gaza-smuggling-booms-officials-soldiers-and-middlemen-are-accused-of-cashing-in/article_50b36e8b-95d1-5257-a1d6-86bdd0a7cf33.html) — Prices soar as Gaza smuggling booms. Officials, soldiers and middlemen are accused of cashing in
- [The Siasat Daily](https://siasat.com/smuggling-goods-into-gaza-booms-as-israeli-curbs-drive-prices-3527887) — Smuggling goods into Gaza booms as Israeli curbs drive prices
- [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/mundo/asia/investigacion-ap-como-se-contrabandean-bienes-prohibidos-a-gaza-y-cambian-manos-millones-de-dolares-b3036176.html) — Investigating How Prohibited Goods Are Smuggled Into Gaza and Millions of Dollars Change Hands
- [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/world/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands - Regional Media News
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/middle-east/11080110/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/region/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_9bca02c4-e8c5-5d5b-8b85-8c284a42df9d.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_7cb71478-4517-58de-b713-e325f68a3b37.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [Rutland Herald](https://rutlandherald.com/news/business/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_7dd03a4b-028c-5ef1-baf2-4fcb72e7f7d1.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Daily Advance](https://dailyadvance.com/news/world/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_31da7f1f-9747-5385-859f-212c15e2beef.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [SooLeader.com](https://sooleader.com/michigan-news-ap/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands-12686141) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [Yakima Herald-Republic](https://yakimaherald.com/news/nation_and_world/business/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_62eb39e7-7625-5a4c-bb64-6557cc317d99.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [Daily Record](https://dailyrecordnews.com/ap_news/international/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_485202d0-de6d-545a-b08f-1c287ed546f2.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Batesville Daily Guard](https://guardonline.com/news/world/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_4e0850fe-f54c-5c21-ac25-fc5ab4b8aa5f.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [pmg-ky3.com](https://pmg-ky3.com/ap/ap_news/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change/article_4177f599-bf24-512e-9ca6-055156e08198.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/middle-east/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands/article_540f9c5d-619d-5e0a-bad1-b40153af4c47.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/business/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands/article_3a6f1b85-8a4a-5cc1-84f2-6ddcee1bde0f.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/world/2026/08/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/business/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/gaza-israeli-palestinians-cogat-hamas-b3036095.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/gaza-smuggling-goods-israel-hamas-war-0eb43885ba1ee2045457b4bb8d26dfd5) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/gaza-israeli-palestinians-cogat-hamas-b3036095.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/world/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars/article_4acecc52-d0e5-5bca-904e-21c6920254da.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [Mid Florida Newspapers](https://midfloridanewspapers.com/ap/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars/article_9d362599-e46e-5cb4-9175-b9be2cb29d35.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [WV News](https://wvnews.com/newsfeed/world/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars/article_116c9ebf-7c01-5ea0-ba72-27afee5c02b7.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Star Democrat](https://stardem.com/ap/world/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars/article_d70a6d2c-6fe2-53ba-aa13-46616646824c.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/ap-investigation-shows-how-banned-goods-are-smuggled-into-gaza-and-millions-of-dollars-change-han) — Prices soar as Gaza smuggling booms. Officials, soldiers and middlemen are accused of cashing in
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/business/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands/article_bbbdb88e-d2e5-59a3-a8d0-d4db71709430.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/business/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands/article_1d7a1adc-2a0c-5b76-b08f-a9895e29d98c.html) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands
- [WellandTribune.ca](https://wellandtribune.ca/business/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands/article_668ab874-feb6-5761-b913-daf9cdc3cad1.html) — AP investigation shows how banned goods are smuggled into Gaza and millions of dollars change hands
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/business/2026/08/20/smuggling-in-gaza-how-banned-goods-make-it-across-the-border-and-millions-of-dollars-change-hands) — Smuggling in Gaza: How banned goods make it across the border and millions of dollars change hands

## Questions

**What goods are being smuggled into Gaza?**

An Associated Press investigation found cigarettes, iPhones, solar panels, fuel and anaesthetics are among the goods smuggled into Gaza since October 2023. Israel restricts or bans certain items, including concrete and vehicle parts, citing concerns they could be repurposed for military use by Hamas.

**Who is profiting from the smuggling trade in Gaza?**

The AP reported that Israeli soldiers and middlemen are accused of pocketing millions of dollars from the smuggling trade. Gaza’s Hamas-led government also takes a cut of the profits, either as a reported "tax" of up to 20% or an 80% penalty if goods are undeclared.

**How are hospitals in Gaza affected by the smuggling?**

Hospitals in Gaza have turned to smugglers for medicine and equipment due to shortages caused by Israeli restrictions. The AP investigation found that smugglers provide essential supplies, though at inflated prices for Palestinians.

---

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