Israeli Troops Kill Egyptian Security Officer on Gaza Border
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An Egyptian security personnel member was killed by Israeli troops during a border shooting near the Gaza Strip, prompting investigations by both Egypt and Israel.
Egypt’s military spokesman, Colonel Gharib Abdel-Hafez, stated that the Egyptian military is investigating the incident that occurred on Monday.
Israel’s military also acknowledged the “shooting incident,” noting that it had taken place “a few hours ago” and is now under review. “Discussions are being held with the Egyptians,” the Israeli military said.
Earlier this month, Israel seized control of the Rafah border crossing from the Gaza side, escalating its military operations in the area, which drew criticism from Egypt.
Tensions between the two sides increased after Israeli troops moved into the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer-long and 100-meter-wide strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt, and took control of the Rafah crossing.
The latest incident could further complicate the situation, as Egypt has a peace treaty with Israel but has refused to open its side of the border in protest against Israel's control over the Rafah crossing.
This diplomatic tension is significant as Egypt also serves as a mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups.
Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to suffer amid the US-backed Israeli genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.
In the latest aggression, Israel killed over 50 displaced Palestinians sheltering in tents and camps in Rafah, a city previously deemed a so-called “safe zone” by the Israeli regime.
The Palestinian Red Crescent expects the death toll to rise due to the high number of injured being sent to partially functioning hospitals, many of whom are women and children.
Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, expressed shock over images of children and families caught in the overnight Israeli air strike on Rafah.
“There must be an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and an end to the senseless killing of children,” Russell wrote on X.