ByLARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF

An Egyptian warship entered the closed maritime zone off the coast of the Gaza Strip, the IDF confirmed on Thursday.

The Israel Navy ships were dispatched from Ashdod Naval Base, and issued instructions to the Egyptian vessel to leave, the military confirmed.

Israeli warships fired warning shots towards the vessel, as it posed an imminent threat, Channel 13 reported. The IDF's statement neither confirmed nor denied this.

"The military acted in accordance with procedures, called on the vessel to stop, and after it did not comply, distancing measures were carried out," the IDF said, before the vessel turned around and returned to Egyptian territorial waters.

Egypt accepted responsibility for the incident, Channel 13 reported, citing an IDF source.

IDF troops marking the ''yellow line,'' where Israeli troops had withdrawn to in accordance with the US-brokered hostage, ceasefire agreement, October 20, 2025.
IDF troops marking the ''yellow line,'' where Israeli troops had withdrawn to in accordance with the US-brokered hostage, ceasefire agreement, October 20, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

IDF: 'Egypt is central partner in peace agreement'

The Israeli army emphasized that "Egypt is a central partner to the peace agreement, and that the security relationship between the two countries continues as usual."