Egyptian security forces have sent back to Israel 32 tonnes of tiles brought into the North African nation on a truck, security officials confirmed, saying the tiles were emitting high levels of radiation.
According to the officials, authorities confiscated the tiles after they were brought into the Sinai Peninsula from Israel near the Gaza Strip.
Radiation was detected and nuclear experts were called in to examine the vehicle.
“A body charged with nuclear security, which is part of the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, examined the cargo and decided to send it back to Israel immediately,” the offiials said.
Israel has been informed of the situation but has not made any official statement, although an Israeli official at the Nitzana border crossing confirmed the material in question.
“But whatever the details, it’s not the first time that it’s happened. Ceramic tiles of all sorts give out low levels of radiation and the Egyptian authorities, who are very sensitive about this matter, have undertaken to check if the radiation levels exceed the required norms,” the officials added.
“When this is not the case, the merchandise is returned and we carry out our own checks.” Panapress .
