Tel Aviv, Israel

Egypt confirms that one of its soldiers was killed in a “shooting incident” near the border with the Gazan city of Rafah, on Monday (May 27) seemingly confirming reports of a firefight between Egyptian and Israeli forces amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. 

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What we know about ‘shooting incident’

Prior to the confirmation by Egypt, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said officials were in contact with Cairo following “a shooting incident” on the Gaza-Egypt border. 

According to media reports, there were armed clashes between Israeli and Egyptian forces near the Rafah crossing. 

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WATCH | 45 killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah tent camp

“A few hours ago there was a shooting incident on the Egyptian border, the (incident) is under investigation, dialogue is taking place with the Egyptian side,” said the IDF in a statement, as quoted by the Times of Israel. 

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Meanwhile, the Egyptian military took to X and said that one of its soldiers was killed and that it was investigating the “shooting incident.”

“The Egyptian Armed Forces are conducting an investigation through the competent authorities regarding a shooting incident in the border area in Rafah, which led to the martyrdom of one of the personnel,” said the Egyptian military. 

A report by the Israeli news site Ynet citing anonymous Israeli military sources said that Egypt was responsible for the deadly exchange of fire. 

According to the Israeli media report, Egyptian forces opened fire on Israeli troops at the Rafah crossing and Israel retaliated. The incident also reportedly left several Egyptian troops injured. 

At least 45 killed after Israeli strike on Rafah 

Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after at least 45 Palestinians were killed following a strike on tent camps in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. 

Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry

According to the Hamas-run health ministry at least 45 people, including 23 women, children and elderly were killed and 249 others were wounded after the Israeli strike. However, Israel has said that the attack was aimed at a Hamas compound and the army regretted any harm to non-combatants.

“We're looking into this,” said Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman speaking about the strike in Rafah, adding that it was “definitely grave.” 

He added, “Any loss of life, civilian life, is grave and is awful. We seek to go after Hamas and limit civilian casualties...This is an unfolding story.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.