IDF intercepts drone smuggling three rifles over Egypt border as Gaza ceasefire resumes

The IDF’s statement did not clarify whether the smuggled weapons were intended for terrorists in Gaza or criminal gangs in southern Israel.

The IDF intercepted a drone that was attempting to smuggle three rifles across the Egyptian border overnight, the military confirmed on Wednesday.

The IDF announcement followed the resumption of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had returned after the IDF responded with strikes on Tuesday to a breach by the terror group. One of Hamas’s ceasefire violations led to the death of IDF Chief Sgt. First Class (res.) Yona Efraim “Efi” Feldbaum, a combat engineer who was killed by sniper fire.

Regarding the weapons, the IDF’s statement did not clarify whether the smuggled weapons were intended for terrorists in Gaza or criminal gangs in southern Israel.

Egypt’s role in Gaza since ceasefire

Notably, Egypt has committed to assisting in enforcing the stability of the ceasefire, including providing equipment to aid in the search for hostage remains yet to be returned to Israel.

Egypt’s role has also included a meeting on October 21 between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Egypt’s intelligence chief, for talks focused on Gaza, border security, and bilateral coordination.

Earlier this month, The Guardian reported that the Egyptian military was set to play a key role in the new International Security Force that will manage security in Gaza.

Similar weapons smuggling attempts over recent weeks

The IDF has intercepted several similar attempts to smuggle weapons over the Egyptian border into Israel in recent weeks.

These have included a drone carrying two rifles and ammunition on Monday, a drone carrying rifles, ammunition, and magazines, two drones carrying goods on October 17, and a drone carrying three rifles on September 28.

Amichai Stein and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.