An Israeli tank accidentally hit an Egyptian military post near the borders of both countries with the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army admitted, apologizing for the incident. The press service of the Egyptian army reported that Egyptian border guards suffered “light injuries” as a result of the hit. The number of injured was not reported.
“The investigation into the incident is ongoing and the details are being verified. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expresses sadness over this incident,” the IDF said in a statement on Sunday.
According to Israeli forces, a tank accidentally fired upon an Egyptian military post near Kerem Shalom, near where the borders meet. EgyptIsrael and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, the Times of Israel reported.
“Light injuries” to Egyptian guards
The press service of the Egyptian army reported that Egyptian border guards suffered “light injuries” as a result of an accidental hit. They did not provide the number of injured.
“During the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Egyptian control tower was hit by shrapnel from a shell mistakenly fired by an Israeli tank, causing minor injuries to members of the border security forces,” an Egyptian army spokesman said. “The Israeli side immediately apologized after this unintentional incident and an investigation is ongoing,” he added.
Reuters reported earlier, citing witnesses, that the sound of an explosion was heard near the nearby border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip in Rafah on Sunday, followed by ambulances driving on the Egyptian side of the border. According to sources, seven injured people were taken to hospital, the agency reported.
Hamas attack on Israel PAP/Reuters – Maciej Zieliński
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK