The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped cigarette packets in the Gaza Strip this week as a relief for Palestinian smokers, and also distributed leaflets urging people to rebel against Hamas and its new leader, Yahya Sinwar, who is hiding somewhere underground.
There has been a cigarette shortage in Gaza since Hamas began its war on October 7. Israel has trucked in tons of aid — more than enough to meet the daily food needs of everyone in the Strip — but has not provided cigarettes. Gazans have complained on social media that the price of cigarettes has risen to around $25 a stick.
#RaphaSouth #Gaza Strip, today: 2 “Karelia” cigarettes for 200 NIS. pic.twitter.com/HnkVQn2hYL
— Abu Ali Express English (@AbuAliEnglishB1) June 14, 2024
of Jerusalem Post Reported:
Attached to the cigarettes were various leaflets with statements such as “Smoking is dangerous, but Hamas is even more dangerous” and “Hamas is burning Gaza.” Next to the inscriptions, the IDF provided a contact number for its “Influence Department” for further information.
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According to N12, the current price of a single cigarette in the Gaza Strip is $27, while a pack sells for $430. This “tax” has allowed Hamas to fund its existence throughout the war, at great expense to Gaza’s residents.
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According to officials, the purpose is to Terrorist organisations “It is important to stress that cigarettes were not brought onto the Strip and that this was a one-off incident,” he said.
Sinwar recently became the leader of Hamas after its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran, Iran, last week.
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