What to expect
The customs authority of Israel found 16 tons of rocket-making material during an inspection of a shipment from Turkey to the Gaza Strip in July.
Israel’s customs authority said on Thursday that the obtained material was reportedly used for rocket production. The customs authority further confirmed that the material was used by groups in Gaza “to produce rockets that are eventually launched toward Israel.”
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem dismissed the report, alleging it as a fabrication. Hazem Qassem reportedly said, “Israel is forging lies as a pretext to tighten the blockade on Gaza.”
How did Israel find the material?
Israel’s customs authority stopped the shipment for inspection in July. Reportedly, two containers were carrying 54 tons of the material. The authorities sent the material for a lab test, which confirmed that the substance contained ammonium chloride. Later on, Israel’s customs authority said that the substance was used to make rockets in order to target Israelis.
About 2.3 million Palestinians reside in the Gaza Strip, one of the world's densely populated regions. Militants in the Gaza Strip often target Israelis with air strikes. Hamas in the Gaza Strip has openly extended its support to Palestinians.
Since 2008, Israel and Hamas militants have engaged in many fights. The militants in Gaza have shot thousands of rockets towards Israel and the Gaza Strip has been the target of Israeli airstrikes.
Hamas has also provided support to Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank. Hamas has also increased efforts to attract support in the occupied West Bank.
The fighting between Israel and Hamas escalated because of the rise in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Hamas has repeatedly demanded a resolution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Last month, four Israeli soldiers were seriously injured by an explosive device detonated by Palestinians in Nablus, West Bank. Later on, a Palestinian truck driver was shot dead by the Israeli official. A Palestinian teenager was also shot dead by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem. The West Bank also saw an increase in Palestinian shooting attacks against Israelis.