An Egyptian soldier has been killed in a firefight with Israeli soldiers, it has been reported.
The rare exchange of force between the militaries of both countries is understood to have happened at the Gaza border near Rafah with sources in the Israeli Defence Force claiming Egyptian soldiers fired at Israeli soldiers who returned fire.
The Jerusalem Post said no Israeli soldiers were injured in the incident and that commanders of the two forces were quickly in touch to arrange a ceasefire.
According to the paper, a dialogue has been opened between Egyptian and Israeli forces to lessen tensions following the battle.
Tensions are high between the two countries, as in June last year an Egyptian police officer shot dead three IDF soldiers. In October an Egyptian police officer killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide.