Three Egyptian soldiers were killed early Thursday by an Israeli tank shell on the Gaza Strip - Egypt border. According to Israel Radio, the tank fired "mistakenly" towards the Egyptians. The tank crew believed the three to be Palestinian fighters and then opened fire, the radio said.
It added the Israeli army has opened an investigation into the incident. Following an initial inquiry into the incident, it appears that there were "operational and professional errors" that occurred due to a misidentification of the three figures, which resulted in three Egyptians being hit, the Israeli army said in a statement on Thursday.
"The Israeli Army has expressed its sorrow to the Egyptians regarding this event, and has offered all the aid and assistance necessary," it added.
Later, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon telephoned
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and expressed his "deep sorrow" over the incident. In a statement after the conversation, Sharon said that "this was a mishap." According to the Israeli statement, Mubarak accepted the apology. (Albawaba.com)
