IDF Intercepts Explosives Agent Marked as EU Aid

by Ezra HaLevi
December 31, 2007

(IsraelNN.com) The IDF intercepted 6.5 tons of a bomb-making agent that was stored in sugar bags marked as humanitarian aid from the European Union.

It has been released for publication that 6.5 tons of Potassium Nitrate, a main ingredient in explosives manufacturing, was intercepted in a joint Shabak (General Security Service) and IDF operation last month.

A truck was caught at “one of the crossing points in Judea and Samaria carrying the Potassium Nitrate, which was disguised in sugar bags, and was intended for use by terrorists in Gaza,” according to IDF sources.

Potassium Nitrate is a banned substance in Gaza, Judea and Samaria region due to its use by terrorists for the manufacturing of explosives and Kassam rockets.

It is assumed that the explosives ingredient was not dispatched by the European Union, but labeled as aid by terrorist groups to take advantage of Israel’s efforts to appease human rights groups by limiting scrutiny of foreign aid shipments to Gaza.

“The terror organizations disguised the Potassium Nitrate in sugar bags that were marked as being part of the humanitarian aid provided by the European Union,” the IDF source said. “This is another example of how the terror organizations exploit the humanitarian aid that is delivered to the Palestinian population in Gaza with Israel's approval.”

Former PA Prime Minister’s Body Guard Shoots at Soldiers

A Fatah terrorist opened fire at IDF soldiers who had come to arrest him Thursday night. The man was once the bodyguard of former PA Prime Minister and current chief negotiator Ahmed Qurei. The soldiers returned fire, killing the bodyguard, Moazzem Sherif. The incident took place in Bituniya, west of Ramallah.

Qurei condemned the IDF arrest operation.