EU Initiates Border Security Mission at Rafah Crossing to Gaza

The European Union has commenced its mission to support the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. This action is seen as a critical step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians in Gaza. EU border guards are now present on-site to assist Palestinian border personnel in facilitating the exit of individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical treatment.

The mission, known as Eubam Rafah, was originally established in 2005 to assist in managing the Rafah crossing. However, following Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, EU personnel were withdrawn due to the organization's refusal to cooperate with Hamas.

The reopening of the Rafah crossing is part of a three-phase agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This agreement is expected to significantly increase the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. According to the Egyptian Red Crescent, approximately 3,000 trucks filled with humanitarian supplies have been prepared in Sinai for entry into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, with many already in transit.

As stated by the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the initial EU border guards deployed to Rafah are from Italy, Spain, and France. Additionally, discussions are underway in the German government regarding the potential involvement of German border security personnel.

Sources from the German press agency indicate that a cabinet decision from 2005 is being revised to allow for the deployment of armed forces, a shift from the previous provision that only permitted unarmed border guards. This adjustment is deemed necessary due to the heightened risks associated with the current situation in the region.