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.