Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union foreign policy head Kaja Kallas said that the EU is ready to redeploy its border assistance mission at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
Redeploying the mission would indicate that more humanitarian aid would arrive in Gaza,
Kallas stated.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
“is the first step, and we require to build for more lasting peace,”
Kallas said.
Kaja Kallas will ask the EU’s foreign ministers today, January 27, 2025, to settle on reactivating the EU’s border assistance mission at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt by Feb. 1, Bloomberg reported.
Why is Rafah’s mission critical for Palestinian border security?
A borderline assistance mission, the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), established in November 2005, provides monitoring of crossing operations and advice to the Palestinian Authority in controlling border security as well as handling customs. It uses a non-executive, unarmed mandate with capabilities in capacity building and advisory of Palestinian border services.
The EUBAM Rafah has been in standby mode since its operations were suspended; however, it continued to work towards improving Palestinian Authority General Administration for Borders and Crossings capabilities. This includes preparing for a possible redeployment when political and security conditions allow.
What does the mission’s redeployment mean for regional stability?
EUBAM Rafah facilitated significant movement during its previous deployment from 2005 to 2007, with nearly 450,000 individuals using the crossing. The return of the mission is expected to enhance trade facilitation and improve border management processes in accordance with international standards.
The reactivation of EUBAM Rafah reflects broader EU efforts to support peace and stability in the Palestinian territories while addressing humanitarian needs. The mission aims to foster cooperation between Palestinian authorities and neighboring countries regarding border management.
