GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — After almost completely disappearing from Gaza Strip markets in the 1990s, Israeli SIM cards are once again available because of a demand for 3G services, an option not offered by Palestinian telecommunications companies, which only have 2G technology. The cards have swept across the Palestinian market after entering Gaza through unknown channels, while Palestinian officials and security agencies warn against using them because of the security risk they potentially pose.

The Al-Majd website, which is close to Hamas, reported that the cards are being smuggled into Gaza either through the border crossings or through the border fence with Israel. The website added that the cards allow calls to be more easily tracked and phones tapped by Israeli companies and authorities.

The pay-as-you-go SIM cards can be purchased for 50-70 shekels ($13-$18). After inserting the card into a phone, the user sends a short text message to the company providing service. The company then deducts a service fee from the card credit to activate 3G service. Compared to 2G technology, 3G technology is faster and has better bandwidth, making it more compatible with smartphone functions, including access to GPS (the Global Positioning System), mobile TV, video calls and video transfers.

Ziad Dib, licensing director general at the Communications Ministry in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that the Palestinian Authority has prohibited the use of Israeli communication devices, including SIM cards, since the establishment of the Palestinian Telecommunication Company (Paltel) in 1997. He said that Israeli SIM cards almost disappeared from the market when Paltel began operations, but have recently reappeared despite his ministry's efforts to prevent the smuggling of any type of communication devices connected to Israel. Dib claims his ministry is in constant contact with the security apparatuses to stop companies, shops and individuals from selling the cards because they are illegal and compete with Paltel services.