Israel Matzav

Hamas warns that Israel may booby trap new cars

There was a time in the early '90's when Hamas leaders were afraid to get a new cellphone. Now, they're afraid to get a new car. But for now, at least, they're letting the new cars into the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-led government in Gaza has warned officials and leaders of Palestinian factions to avoid buying the new cars that have been entering the Strip over the month, according to media reports late Monday.

"A note has been circulated to all concerned parties, warning them of the new cars the Israeli occupation has allowed in Gaza before they undergo special tests by security services," a Gaza security source said according to one report.

The source also said, however, that the warning should not lead to a "state of confusion" among Gaza residents.

Gaza Interior Ministry spokesman Ihab Al-Ghussein confirmed the report, saying " ... it is still a possibility that the occupation fixes tracking devices to the cars or even booby-traps them."

On Monday, Israel permitted the entry of the eighth batch of new cars into Gaza since the beginning of October, marking the first time vehicles were imported into the Strip since Israel began tightening its siege of the coastal enclave in 2007.

The Maan article has a picture of a new car, but I thought the picture above from a February 2009 car swarm would be much more appropriate. Heh.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:41 PM