Palestine denies links to smuggled weapons from Jordan

The Palestinian government officially denied Israeli reports that it was linked to the weapons smuggling affair which was discovered by Israeli troops on Saturday.

At least 60 Kalashnikov assault rifles and guns were found in a dinghy that was sailing from Jordan to the West Bank across the Dead Sea on Saturday. At first, Israeli reports said the weapons may have been smuggled into the country for business purposes. But later, Israeli military officials, including the chief of staff, Amnon Shahak, said the weapons were being smuggled for the Palestinian government.

A Palestinian security official said the Palestinian government is fighting weapons trade in its territories, especially explosives trade by Israelis who try to smuggle them into Palestinian areas. The source said the Palestinian government demands that Israel provide them with all details about the recent smuggling operation in order to follow up the matter.

Meanwhile, Palestinian police and security services in Gaza captured large quantities of weapons and material used for preparing explosives. Chief of Palestinian police Ghazi Al-Jabali said several suspects were being held for interrogation.