An Egyptian security source revealed on Monday the preliminary findings of an investigation into a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a soldier near the Rafah border crossing, controlled by Israeli forces. According to the source, the investigation points to an exchange of gunfire between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance elements, leading to gunfire in multiple directions. The Egyptian security element took protective measures and responded to the source of the fire.
Investigative committees have been formed to examine the details of the incident, to assign responsibilities, and to take necessary measures to prevent its recurrence. The source urged the international community to take responsibility for the potential escalation of the situation at the Egyptian border with Gaza, emphasizing that the Philadelphia Corridor is not only a security route but also a conduit for the flow of humanitarian aid into the sector. The source also warned against compromising the security and safety of Egyptian security personnel stationed along the border.
What happened? An Egyptian soldier was killed in a shooting on the border strip with the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces are present, as announced by the Egyptian army on Monday. The official spokesperson of the army stated that the Egyptian armed forces are conducting an investigation with the competent authorities regarding the shooting incident in the Rafah border area, which led to the martyrdom of one of the security elements.
Before the Egyptian statement, the Israeli army announced that it was investigating a “shooting incident on the Egyptian border,” confirming communications with Egypt on this matter.
Since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip in October, Cairo has played a balanced role among all concerned parties, striving to introduce humanitarian aid into the besieged sector and reach a ceasefire agreement.
However, Egypt’s tone has intensified following the beginning of the Israeli military operation in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced persons were crowded. Egypt strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of displaced camps on Monday morning, describing it as “deliberate.” In recent months, the Rafah crossing has been targeted by artillery and air strikes.
