Israel navy open fire at Egyptian vessel after it enters Gaza waters

Hebrew-language Channel 13 reported on Thursday evening that the Israeli navy opened fire on an Egyptian naval vessel after it entered the waters off Gaza.

According to the channel, the Egyptian warship entered Gaza waters, which Israel considers a restricted maritime area. Israeli naval vessels then fired at the ship.

The report said the Egyptian vessel later turned back and returned to Egyptian territorial waters.

Channel 13 added that the ship had left the Sinai Peninsula and entered a sea area under an Israeli naval blockade.

After the vessel was detected, Israeli warships were dispatched from the Ashdod naval base and ordered the Egyptian ship to return to Egypt. As it continued to move towards Gaza, the Israeli ships fired warning shots. Only then did the Egyptian vessel turn around and withdraw.

Israeli army sources told Channel 13 on Thursday evening that Egypt was responsible for the incident and had acknowledged responsibility.

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