An attempt to smuggle approximately 100 bottles of liquid nicotine into the Gaza Strip was thwarted Sunday at the Kerem Shalom Crossing.

The 1.5-liter bottles were concealed inside beverage bottles and discovered during a security inspection.

The attempted smuggling was uncovered by security inspectors from the Defense Ministry's Land Crossings Authority. Following the discovery, the findings were transferred to representatives of the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration.

The truck was carrying a shipment purchased by an Israeli company that had been approved under the mechanism allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza through the private sector. The shipment was intended to reach the Kerem Shalom Crossing as part of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.

Following the discovery of the bottles, the truck and its entire contents were confiscated. It was transferred to customs officials and other relevant authorities for further handling.

As a result of the incident, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Maj. Gen. Yoram Halevi ordered the immediate suspension of the company's authorization to bring aid into the Gaza Strip. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice.

In a statement, COGAT warned that, together with the Defense Ministry's Land Crossings Authority, customs officials, and the relevant security agencies, it would continue working to thwart smuggling attempts and the misuse of mechanisms for bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza. These efforts will continue "with determination and zero tolerance," the officials said.