Tensions at the Rafah crossing reached an all-time high on Monday, resulting in a confrontation between Israeli troops and Egyptian soldiers. Reports indicate that there was a gunfire exchange between both militaries. The reports also show that there was a casualty at the Egyptian end but none from the Israeli side.
A report by the Jerusalem Post disclosed that on Monday at the Rafah crossing, Egyptian troops shot at Israeli soldiers, resulting in a gun battle, according to sources in the IDF.
The firefight claimed the life of an Egyptian soldier. However, the event resulted in no injuries to Israeli forces. IDF representatives communicated with Egyptian authorities to put an end to the fight after the altercation.
According to the IDF, there was a conversation going on with the Egyptians and the matter was being looked into.
According to Bloomberg, The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged that "a shooting incident occurred on the Egyptian border," but did not provide any more information. "The incident is under review and discussions are being held with the Egyptians."
Brewing Tension at the Rafah crossing
As reported by Egypt's state-affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV earlier in the month, the North African country of Egypt refused to cooperate with Israel on the flow of supplies into Gaza from the Rafah border owing to Israel's "unacceptable escalation".
On May 7, Israeli forces took over control of the main Rafah border crossing, blocking off a vital supply route into the Gaza Strip.
This was Israel's response when it began its operations against Hamas in the Rafah region, just as hostage talks appeared to be breaking down.
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