Israel has decided to stop emergency aid shipments from Egypt via UNICEF to Gaza, a decision communicated to UNICEF's leadership based on recent smuggling attempts. The Israeli authorities have expressed concern that illicit goods, including nicotine products, were being smuggled alongside humanitarian supplies through the Kerem Shalom border crossing.

The military administration Cogat, which oversees civil matters in the Palestinian territories, has announced that this delivery prohibition will remain in effect until UNESCO conducts an investigation into the smuggling allegations and provides a report. According to Israeli officials, smuggling was facilitated through the concealment of products in glass bottles hidden within boxes of hygiene products.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has remarked that the Kerem Shalom crossing is currently the only channel available for humanitarian shipments to Gaza. This recent action by Israel highlights the ongoing challenges faced in delivering aid amid security concerns, and underscores the complex interplay between humanitarian needs and border security measures in conflict zones.