Shooting at Rafah border claims life of Egyptian security guard

A member of the Egyptian security forces was killed in a shooting near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian military spokesman confirmed on Monday. Investigations are currently underway.

The Israeli military had previously stated that it was investigating reports of an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers. “A few hours ago, there was an exchange of fire on the Egyptian border. The incident is currently being investigated and talks are taking place with the Egyptians,” the Israeli military said.

Following the incident, Egypt issued a stern warning not to compromise the security of its armed forces, a senior source told Egyptian state-run Al Qahera News. The source stressed that Egypt would take the necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The clash began when an Egyptian soldier stationed on a watchtower saw an armored vehicle carrying Israeli soldiers crossing a line near the border. At that point, Israeli soldiers reportedly pursued and killed several Palestinians. The Egyptian soldier opened fire, and Israeli forces returned fire, resulting in his death. Several Israeli soldiers were injured in the exchange of fire and the force eventually withdrew. In addition, an Egyptian was injured in the clash, according to two Egyptian security sources.

The Rafah crossing has been a point of contention recently after Israel took control of the crossing from the Gaza side earlier this month as part of an intensified military offensive in the region. The move drew strong criticism from Egypt, which is concerned about the possible expulsion of Palestinians from the southern Gaza Strip and accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to the area. Israel denies the charge.

Despite the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel and their close cooperation on security issues on their borders, such incidents are rare. However, such incidents have occurred recently. In October 2023, two weeks after the start of the war in Gaza, an Israeli tank accidentally rammed an Egyptian position near the border, causing minor injuries to several Egyptian border guards. In June 2023, a clash on the border resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian security guard.

Melissa Enoch

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