Smuggling passengers in a trunk for 400 shekels: a tragic end
The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office has filed a severe indictment against a local resident who transported three illegal aliens in the trunk of a decommissioned vehicle. After fleeing a security checkpoint, he caused a fatal crash.
The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office filed a severe indictment today against Muhammad Khalisi, a city resident accused of causing the deaths of two Palestinians he was attempting to smuggle into Israel. According to the indictment, Khalisi conspired to transport three illegal aliens for a fee of 400 shekels, stuffing them into the trunk of a vehicle that had been taken off the road. The defendant did not possess a valid driver's license at the time.
The incident occurred on August 9 when Khalisi arrived at a security checkpoint. When ordered by a guard to open the trunk for inspection, Khalisi fled the scene. He drove recklessly toward Highway 1, swerving between lanes until he lost control and crashed into a guardrail and another vehicle.
The force of the collision caused the trunk lid to fly open, ejecting the three passengers onto the road and a nearby wadi. Two of the passengers died on the spot, while the third sustained serious injuries and required multiple complex surgeries. The driver of the other vehicle involved suffered minor injuries.
Following the crash, the defendant fled the scene on foot rather than providing aid or calling emergency services. He was apprehended by police the following day. Khalisi now faces multiple serious charges, including reckless homicide, abandonment, aggravated assault, and illegal transport.
This tragedy highlights the lethal consequences of the illegal smuggling industry, where human lives are gambled for a small sum of money. The combination of driving without a license, operating a disqualified vehicle, and the callous abandonment of the wounded illustrates a complete disregard for the law and human life.
