A member of Egypt’s security forces was killed in a shooting incident near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Egypt’s military spokesperson announced on Monday that an investigation is underway.
Earlier, Israel’s military reported investigating an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers. “A few hours ago (Monday), a shooting incident occurred on the Egyptian border. The incident is under review and discussions are being held with the Egyptians,” the Israeli military stated.
Israel took control of the Rafah border crossing from the Gaza side earlier this month, escalating its military offensive in the area, which has drawn strong criticism from Egypt.
Egypt is concerned about the potential displacement of Palestinians from southern Gaza due to the offensive and has accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to the territory, an accusation Israel denies.
Egypt and Israel, which signed a peace treaty in 1979, have closely cooperated on security issues around their borders with the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula. Both countries have jointly maintained a blockade of Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. Security incidents between Egypt and Israel have been rare.
In October 2023, shortly after the war in Gaza began, Israel reported that one of its tanks accidentally hit an Egyptian position near the Gaza border, resulting in minor injuries to several Egyptian border guards. In June 2023, a clash at the border led to the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian security officer.
