//The Wire//2330Z May 27, 2024//

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//BLUF: EGYPTIAN, ISRAELI SOLDIERS EXCHANGE GUNFIRE ON BORDER NEAR RAFAH.//

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-International Events-

Middle East: This morning Israeli and Egyptian forces exchanged small arms fire in the vicinity of Rafah, following the Israeli occupation of the Philadelphi corridor. So far, at least one Egyptian soldier has been killed in the skirmish, however this figure could be as high as four. No casualties have been reported on the Israeli side.

In Gaza, the U.S.-built pier is out of action following weather conditions over the weekend that caused several sections of the makeshift landing zone to break free and drift down the beach. It is unclear as to when (or if) this project will be repaired.

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Analyst Comments: At the moment it is not clear as to which side initiated contact in Rafah. Though official statements have not entirely been forthcoming, both sides seem to claim the other started the engagement. Additionally, this conflict does not appear to have been a simple one-and-done shooting, but may have been a protracted small arms engagement over a period of many minutes. As of this report, the engagement(s) between Israel and Egypt seem to have subsided. As it stands, diplomatic tensions remain at heights historically reminiscent of a widening conflict in the region, though it is too soon to tell if more substantial conflict will arise due to this latest escalation.

Analyst: S2A1

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