An IDF officer was killed by friendly fire late last night along the northern Gaza border, an army spokesperson has confirmed.

According to reports, Capt. Tal Nahman, 21, was commanding forces near the border when he was mistaken for a terrorist by Givati soldiers - an infantry brigade of the IDF.

Thought to be a suspicious figure, Mr Nahman was shot and killed on sight.

The IDF said in a statement that the “misidentified weapon discharge” was being investigated and that Mr Nahman’s family had been notified.

They added: “Our thoughts are with the officer’s family.”

Following the incident, Brigadier General Tzvika Fogel told IDF Radio: “The price of preventing infiltration to communities and harm to citizens is a very heavy price.

“In an uncertain world, everyone is tense and no one can take chances.”

Mr Nahman’s funeral will take place later today with a military ceremony at the Nes Ziona cemetery in central Israel.