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IDF examines border security after suspected ATV smuggling into Gaza
IDF examines border security after suspected ATV smuggling into Gaza
AMIR BOHBOTFri, August 7, 2026 at 1:15 PM UTC2 min readAdd Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.- IDF opens investigation into alleged smuggling of new ATVs into Gaza Strip after Palestinians publicly display vehicles in Deir al-Balah.
- ATVs suspected to have entered Gaza through gates along border fence supervised by IDF and Military Police, not through Kerem Shalom Crossing.
- Recent criticism of Military Police's conduct in Gaza Division includes claims of insufficient border checks and lack of enforcement against reckless driving.
After Palestinians showcased new ATVs in Deir al-Balah, the IDF opened an investigation into how the vehicles allegedly entered the Gaza Strip.
Palestinians managed to smuggle new ATVs into the Gaza Strip under the IDF's nose before publicly displaying them in Deir al Balah and performing stunts with the vehicles, Walla reported Friday, citing military sources.
IDF officials said no authorization had been given for ATVs to be transferred into Gaza and that the suspected smuggling is now under investigation.
AdvertisementAdvertisementOfficials also determined unequivocally that the vehicles did not enter through the Kerem Shalom Crossing but instead passed through gates along the border fence supervised by the IDF and Military Police.
The incident comes amid recent criticism of the Military Police's conduct in the Gaza Division, particularly at several gates along the Gaza border fence.
A man performs stunts with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on sand dunes near destroyed buildings in the Zahra neighbourhood, southwest of Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, on February 6, 2026. (credit: Eyad Baba / AFP via Getty Images)
Insufficient border checks
The criticism centers on claims that civilian contractors and military personnel entering and leaving through the gates are not being subjected to sufficiently thorough checks. There has also been criticism over a lack of enforcement against reckless driving along roads in the area.
"The Gaza Division needs to increase enforcement together with the Military Police," a security source said.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"Soldiers are sitting in air-conditioned police vehicles instead of checking every vehicle entering and leaving Gaza. When they are asked what they are doing at the gate, they say they are supposed to prevent looting on the Palestinian side."