The European Union is considering deploying a mission at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza to improve humanitarian aid deliveries. However, talks are still in the preliminary stages, and the deployment will only happen once there is an end to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss ways to enhance aid deliveries to Gaza. The United States has proposed reviving the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Rafah, which has been inactive since 2007 when Hamas took control of Gaza. The Rafah crossing is crucial for aid entry from Egypt but has been closed since Israeli forces seized control three weeks ago.
The city of Rafah is currently under fire in an Israeli military assault, prompting calls from top UN judges for an immediate halt to the violence. While there are EU officials on the ground engaging with various parties to explore deployment possibilities, it is emphasized that the discussions are still at an early stage.
The EU official mentioned that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell may be tasked by the 27 member states to develop operational conclusions for the mission’s deployment. However, it is clear that any deployment cannot occur under current war conditions. The focus is on planning for the future when circumstances allow for such a mission to take place.
Although the idea of deploying EUBAM Rafah will be on the agenda during the meeting, there are no concrete plans yet. Some diplomats view the proposal as a “long shot” due to the unanimous approval required from all EU member states. Additionally, given the potential risks involved in such an operation, personnel and equipment would need to be carefully adapted.
Furthermore, for the mission to proceed, support from both Egypt and Israel is essential. While the US is exploring options to facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing, no definitive plans have been finalized. The Israeli offensive in Gaza was triggered by a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7.
In conclusion, while discussions about deploying a EU mission at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza are ongoing, it is evident that any deployment will only occur once there is a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, and efforts are being made to improve aid deliveries to the region. The potential revival of EUBAM Rafah underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and facilitating much-needed assistance to its residents.