The European Union has restarted its civilian mission to monitor the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah, a key entry point for the Palestinian territory. The move was announced by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on Friday, amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
According to officials, people will only be allowed to travel from Gaza to Egypt, not vice versa, initially. The first group of Palestinians, including injured civilians and militant fighters, will enter Egypt via the Rafah crossing on Saturday. This decision comes after a five-month closure, since last May.
The EU’s civilian border mission will support Palestinian border personnel and facilitate the transfer of individuals out of Gaza, including those requiring medical care. Egyptian security sources confirmed that members of the EU team have arrived at the facility.
Spain, Italy, and France are contributing personnel to the renewed mission. A total of 20-30 people are expected to pass through the crossing initially, with humanitarian aid being a primary concern. The World Health Organization will coordinate transportation of patients from two hospitals in Gaza.
The move marks a significant step towards supporting the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The EU Border Assistance Mission had previously worked in Rafah but was suspended in 2007 due to Hamas’s takeover of the Gaza Strip.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-restarts-rafah-border-crossing-mission-says-eu-foreign-policy-chief-kallas-2025-01-31